Project Development Engineer

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is seeking a Product Development Engineer to lead and execute technical activities on assigned aerospace projects. You will plan, design, analyze, and test complex systems while collaborating with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management to meet milestones and customer requirements.

The role emphasizes technical excellence, risk mitigation, and timely delivery of deliverables, with travel up to 20% and compliance with PiAC standards.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in the design, testing, and integration of complex aerospace systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings, schematics, and assembly instructions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working in dynamic, high-stakes environments with short deadlines.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Catia) and project management tools (MS Project).
• Critical thinking ability and strong decision-making skills are essential.
• Ability to manage high risk technical activities.
• Travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis efforts to determine the optimal technical approach for projects, while managing risks associated with customer requirements.
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including test plans, vehicle assembly procedures, and system validation processes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including design, manufacturing, quality, and program management—to ensure project goals are met.
• Prepare, review, and maintain critical engineering deliverables such as designs, technical drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Oversee project progress, track milestones, and ensure all components on the bill of materials (BOM) are procured and available as needed.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical challenges related to mechanical, electrical, and structural systems, performing root cause analysis to drive corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and training to other engineering staff and technicians on testing, integration, and assembly tasks.
• Ensure all work complies with the Piasecki Quality Management System and contractual requirements.
• Conduct VTOL, VAS, casevac, cargo handling and fabrication planning work plans
• Release and manage high frequency data results
• Performs other duties as required and as assigned by PiAC leadership.

Skills

Aerospace design

3D modeling

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Risk management

Project management

Critical thinking

High-stakes environment

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

MS Project

Job description

The Product Development Engineer is responsible for leading and executing the technical activities on assigned projects. This role involves planning, designing, analyzing, and testing complex aerospace systems to ensure compliance with company standards and customer requirements. The Product Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage projects from concept through completion, focusing on technical excellence, risk mitigation, and timely delivery of milestones

Product Engineer Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis efforts to determine the optimal technical approach for projects, while managing risks associated with customer requirements.
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including test plans, vehicle assembly procedures, and system validation processes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including design, manufacturing, quality, and program management—to ensure project goals are met.
• Prepare, review, and maintain critical engineering deliverables such as designs, technical drawings, specifications, and reports.
• Oversee project progress, track milestones, and ensure all components on the bill of materials (BOM) are procured and available as needed.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical challenges related to mechanical, electrical, and structural systems, performing root cause analysis to drive corrective actions.
• Provide guidance and training to other engineering staff and technicians on testing, integration, and assembly tasks.
• Ensure all work complies with the Piasecki Quality Management System and contractual requirements.
• Conduct VTOL, VAS, casevac, cargo handling and fabrication planning work plans
• Release and manage high frequency data results
• Performs other duties as required and as assigned by PiAC leadership.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Proven hands‑on experience in the design, testing, and integration of complex aerospace systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings, schematics, and assembly instructions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict‑resolution skills, with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience working in dynamic, high‑stakes environments with short deadlines.
• Proficiency with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia) and project management tools (e.g., MS Project) is preferred.
• Critical thinking ability and strong decision‑making skills are essential.
• Ability to manage high risk technical activities
• Flexibility in work schedule with regards to days and hours.
• Travel up to 20%

Education / Certifications / Clearances

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Required: A minimum of 10-15 years experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Export Control Requirements: U.S. Government Export Control Status: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.
• 120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
• Relocation: Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

PiAC offers comprehensive health benefits, a 401k retirement plan with employer matching, and generous paid time off benefits to full‑time employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.