Project Engineer

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

Job summary

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is seeking a Project Engineer/DFMA Lead to drive cost reduction, schedule adherence, and manufacturing efficiency across complex aerospace programs. The role requires hands-on design, analysis, and rapid decision-making on the shop floor and with vendors to enable quick prototype builds.

You will lead cross-functional teams through concept to flight-ready milestones, ensuring engineering deliverables, BOM integrity, and compliance with the PiAC Quality Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering required.
• Minimum of 10 years hands-on design/test experience.
• Export control compliance and U.S. Person status required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute technical activities on assigned projects.
• Drive cost reduction and manufacturing cycle time improvements.
• Plan, design, analyze, and test complex aerospace systems.
• Manage project plans, BOM, and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate with design, manufacturing, quality, and program management.
• Prepare engineering deliverables: drawings, specs, reports.
• Provide on-shop floor decisions and vendor coordination.
• Ensure compliance with PiAC QMS and contractual requirements.
• Coach and train other engineering staff on testing and assembly.
• Identify, troubleshoot, root-cause analysis for mechanical/electrical/structural issues.

Skills

Aircraft design experience

Project planning

Manufacturing

3D modeling

MS Project

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Eng

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

Catia

MS Project

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Project Engineer/DFMA Lead

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTING TO: Chief Engineer

SUMMARY:

The Project Engineer/;DFMA is responsible for leading and executing the technical activities on assigned projects. PiAC needs a Project Engineer to drive cost and manufacturing cycle times down, technical planning and execution across our portfolio, starting with the KARGO II project. This role involves planning, designing, analyzing, and testing complex aerospace systems to ensure compliance with company standards and customer requirements. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage projects from concept through completion, focusing on technical excellence, cost reduction, risk mitigation, and timely delivery of milestones. Your primary objective is to enable the quick build of aircraft prototypes, which requires rapid, dynamic decision-making on the shop floor and at vendor sites, as well as define the production configuration.

PROJECT ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage release packages and downstream task planning.
• Drive push planning to effectively load support staff and meet demanding schedule requirements.
• Make highly dynamic technical decisions directly on the shop floor and coordinate with external vendors.
• Oversee the rapid construction and fabrication of prototype units.
• Lead design and analysis efforts to determine the optimal technical approach for projects, while managing lose reduction associated with customer requirements.
• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, including manufacturing, vehicle assembly procedures, and design 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.
• Performs other duties as required and as assigned by PiAC leadership.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Advanced skills and knowledge in aircraft construction and fabrication methods.
• Proven ability to manage technical planning in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• 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.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / CLEARANCES:

• Required: College degree, preferably a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Required: A minimum of 10 years of hands‑on design and/or test experience.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Must meet U.S. Government Export Control requirements, including U.S. Person status as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15.