Senior Project Engineer - Hardware (Space & Embedded Systems)

Senior Project Engineer – Hardware (Space & Embedded Systems)

Location: Fairfax, VA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Engineering

About This Opportunity

Our firm has been engaged to identify a highly capable Senior Project Engineer – Hardware for a leading developer of advanced aerospace and defense electronics systems. This organization partners with the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and civil space agencies to deliver mission-critical technologies that operate in the most demanding environments.

The company is known for disciplined engineering practices, collaborative development processes, and a strong commitment to innovation. Their teams design and deliver high-performance, radiation-tolerant electronic solutions that enable complex space missions and next-generation defense capabilities.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Senior Project Engineer to support the development of embedded systems and space electronics. This role serves as the critical bridge between technical engineering execution and project management, ensuring that complex programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

The Senior Project Engineer will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects from concept through completion. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to drive successful outcomes while maintaining strong alignment with technical, schedule, and cost objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables

• Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies

• Monitor project progress and adjust plans as necessary to meet milestones and deadlines

• Provide technical guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle

• Prepare and present project status updates to stakeholders and senior leadership

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and engineering processes

• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Act as a servant-leader to the engineering team by removing obstacles and promoting collaboration

• Facilitate Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust execution plans accordingly

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization

• Support travel or off-site program activities as needed

• Perform additional duties as required to support organizational objectives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 6+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 4+ years of relevant experience

• Hands-on experience with PCB design, hardware bring-up, and electronics manufacturing processes

• Solid understanding of engineering principles and full project lifecycle management

• Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Primavera, or AutoCAD

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in embedded systems development

• At least 2 years of experience in project engineering or project management

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) credentials

• Experience delivering space-qualified or high-reliability products

Benefits Overview

The organization offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Basic Life Insurance with AD&D

• Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Voluntary benefits (life, accident, critical illness, hospital, pet insurance)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA, FSA, DCFSA)

• Paid Time Off and company holidays

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Tuition reimbursement programs

• Parental, maternity, and military leave

• Eligibility for annual discretionary bonus