Principal Engineering Project Lead (EPL)

Mercury Systems; Upper Saddle River (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems' Signal Technologies Business Unit seeks a Principal Engineering Project Lead to drive cross-functional programs across hardware, software, RF and systems, from planning through delivery.

You will mentor project managers, manage risks, present status to leadership, and ensure on-time, on-budget outcomes in defense and aerospace missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of engineering experience, with 5+ years in technical project leadership or systems engineering.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex product development (RF, radar, electronic warfare, communications, embedded systems, software defined radio).

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

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Project management

Systems engineering

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Physics/CS

Tools

Microsoft Project

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Job Summary

Join Mercury Systems' Signal Technologies Business Unit to lead the development of advanced defense and aerospace solutions. As Principal Engineering Project Lead, you will drive cross-functional engineering programs, combining technical expertise with project management to deliver mission-critical products. You will collaborate with engineering teams, program management, and business stakeholders to ensure successful project execution from planning through delivery. This is an ideal role for a hands-on leader passionate about technical innovation, team coordination, and process improvement.

Job 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%).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Typically requires 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, communications, embedded systems, software defined radio or similar).
• Experience full product development lifecycle.
• 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."

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field.
• Experience with RF systems, radar, electronic warfare, or mission-critical product development.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile/Scrum certification.
• Familiarity with requirements management and collaboration tools (e.g., DOORS, Jira, Confluence).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.

#LI-RL1

"This position requires you to access information that is subject to U.S. export regulations. You may only access such information if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. government."

Why should you join Mercury Systems?

Mercury Systems is a technology company that makes the world a safer, more secure place. We push processing power to the tactical edge, making the latest commercial technologies profoundly more accessible for today's most challenging aerospace and defense missions. From silicon to system scale, Mercury enables customers to accelerate innovation and turn data into decision superiority. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Mercury employs more than 2,300 people in 24 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com

Our Culture

We are committed to making Mercury a great place to work, no matter where our employees are located. We offer a casual and enjoyable atmosphere that allows employees to learn and grow. We help and care for one another and work as one to achieve results for us and for our customers. We value communication and transparency, and strive to foster two-way dialogue at all levels of the organization. We are committed to lifelong learning, offering comprehensive skills training and tuition reimbursement. Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or you are an experienced professional, it's important to us that you feel recognized and rewarded for your contributions.

To find out more aboutWhy Mercury?, or visit the Mercury Community or find answers to general questions at Mercury FAQs

Mercury Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, creed, citizenship, disability, protected veteran or marital status.

As an equal opportunity employer, Mercury Systems is committed to a diverse workforce. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact the number below for assistance.

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