Principal Engineering Project Lead — Defense Systems

Mercury-Systems; Upper Saddle River (NJ); On-site; USD 89,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems’ Signal Technologies Business Unit is seeking a Principal Engineering Project Lead to drive cross-functional engineering programs from planning through delivery. You will lead complex development of hardware, software, RF and systems, and mentor project teams to achieve mission-critical results.

You will manage schedules, risks, and budgets, coordinate with program management and customers, and present status to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in technical project leadership or systems engineering.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex product development (RF, radar, electronic warfare, embedded systems, software defined radio or similar).
• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) and financial oversight.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering execution for complex development programs (hardware, software, RF, systems, integration, test, manufacturing).
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery.
• Track progress, manage risks, and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resolve technical or resource challenges.
• Provide technical guidance and support integration activities across disciplines.
• Identify and mitigate risks, resolve blockers, and drive decision-making.
• Present project status and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Support proposal planning, resource forecasting, and process improvements.
• Mentor junior project managers and foster a collaborative, innovative team environment.
• Occasional travel (up to 10%).

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Technical expertise

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/CS

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Project

DOORS

Jira/Confluence

Job description

Mercury Systems’ Signal Technologies Business Unit is seeking a Principal Engineering Project Lead to drive cross-functional engineering programs from planning through delivery. You will lead complex development of hardware, software, RF and systems, and mentor project teams to achieve mission-critical results.

You will manage schedules, risks, and budgets, coordinate with program management and customers, and present status to leadership.