Lead Project Engineer

Curtiss-Wright; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions in Santa Clarita, CA seeks a Lead Project Engineer to provide technical leadership and drive defense program execution. The role focuses on Integrated Master Schedule management and coordinating with cross‑functional teams to ensure on‑time delivery of complex, mission‑critical initiatives.

The ideal candidate has strong IMS and MS Project skills, 8–12+ years in defense or aerospace programs, and the ability to influence stakeholders across levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 8–12+ years of engineering experience, preferably defense/aerospace.
• Experience contributing to complex programs with scope, schedule, and delivery execution.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and IMS management.
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of key program activities within complex defense programs, ensuring alignment with objectives and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), identifying risks, dependencies, and critical paths for on-time delivery.
• Provide schedule insights to program leadership and support data-driven decisions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to achieve milestones within a matrixed organization.
• Support technical reviews of designs, specifications, and system architectures for defense standards.
• Assist in resolving technical and programmatic issues balancing cost, schedule and performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and execution methodologies.
• Support development of test strategies, validation activities, and system integration planning for product readiness.
• Collaborate with manufacturing for production readiness and lifecycle considerations.
• Participate in customer interactions and program reviews as needed.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

IMS management

Microsoft Project

Cross-functional collaboration

Defense/Aerospace program experience

Program execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Lead Project Engineer - Defense - Onsite Position

We are seeking a Lead Project Engineer in Santa Clarita, CA to provide technical leadership and program execution support across complex, mission‑critical defense engineering initiatives. This role focuses on driving program performance, supporting cross‑functional coordination, and ensuring alignment with customer requirements and business objectives.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management and solid proficiency in Microsoft Project, with demonstrated experience contributing to large‑scale, multi‑disciplinary programs in defense or aerospace environments.

Location: Santa Clarita, CA- Onsite

Salary Range: $ 108,900.00 - 145,200.00 USD annual per year plus bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in California. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Your Challenge:

• Lead execution of key program activities within complex defense programs, ensuring alignment with defined objectives, customer requirements, and organizational priorities.


• Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), identifying risks, dependencies, and critical paths to support on‑time program delivery.


• Partner with program leadership to provide schedule insights, highlight risks, and support data‑driven decision‑making.


• Coordinate with cross‑functional engineering teams to achieve program milestones, operating effectively within a matrixed organization.


• Apply established best practices in program execution, including schedule management, cost awareness, and risk mitigation.


• Support technical reviews of designs, specifications, and system architectures to ensure compliance with performance and defense standards.


• Assist in resolving technical and programmatic issues, balancing cost, schedule, and performance considerations.


• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by enhancing engineering processes, tools, and execution methodologies.


• Support development of test strategies, validation activities, and system integration planning to ensure product readiness.


• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to support production readiness and lifecycle considerations.


• Participate in customer interactions, including technical discussions and program reviews, as needed.


• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior engineers, supporting team development and knowledge sharing.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Master's degree or relevant certifications are a plus.


• 8-12+ years of engineering experience, preferably within defense or aerospace programs.


• Experience contributing to complex programs with involvement in scope, schedule, and delivery execution.


• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management.


• Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.


• Solid systems‑level understanding with the ability to work across engineering disciplines.


• Familiarity with risk management, cost tracking, and program execution frameworks (e.g., EVMS is a plus).


• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills in dynamic environments.

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

The Curtiss‑Wright Defense Solutions facility in Santa Clarita, California is the center of excellence for hardware level system integration and advanced package design.

Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.

For more information visit: Santa Clarita, California | Curtiss‑Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)

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Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export‑controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export‑controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss‑Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status,