Project Engineer

Cogitic Corporation; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogitic Corporation seeks an experienced Project Engineer (Contract Compliance Specialist) to transition from the shop floor into a strategic, office-based role. You will interpret Navy/DoD requirements and translate them into actionable instructions for Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams before production begins.

Your role links customers with the shop floor, ensuring smooth project execution, with responsibilities spanning contract flow-down, data management in ERP systems, and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Quality Inspector or similar role in a defense manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Upfront compliance review of Navy/DoD contracts, purchase orders, drawings and technical clauses to flow down requirements before production starts.
• Plan and organize new projects by creating and maintaining ERP data including BOMs and work orders.
• Coordinate contract flow-down requirements across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain.
• Review engineering documentation, solid models, test plans and material certifications to prepare final certification packages for customers.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Attention to detail

ERP systems

Documentation review

Education

Associate’s degree in Quality / Manufacturing / Engineering / Business

Tools

ERP software

Digital project management software

Job description

Position Summary

Are you an experienced Quality Inspector looking to transition off the shop floor and into a strategic, office-based role? Cogitic is seeking a Project Engineer (Contract Compliance Specialist) to leverage their deep understanding of manufacturing documentation, blueprints, and defense standards in a professional office environment.

Instead of inspecting physical hardware, you will operate at a higher level: reviewing and interpreting U.S. Navy and DoD contract requirements to ensure successful project execution before manufacturing even begins. This role serves as the vital link between our customers and the shop floor, translating complex contract requirements into actionable instructions for Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.

Why This is the Perfect Next Step for a Quality Inspector:

• Leverage Your Technical Expertise: Your hard-earned ability to spot errors in drawings, understand material certifications, and interpret NAVSEA/SUBSAFE requirements is exactly what makes you perfect for this role.
• Broaden Your Career Path: Gain highly marketable skills in contract requirements management, ERP systems, data administration, and project planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Upfront Compliance Review: Review and interpret U.S. Navy/DoD customer contracts, purchase orders, drawings, and technical clauses (including DFARS, NAVSEA, and LEVEL I/SUBSAFE) to flow down project requirements before production starts.
• System Data Management: Plan and organize new projects by creating and maintaining accurate ERP data, including parts, bills of material (BOMs), and work orders.
• Cross-Functional Liaison: Coordinate contract flow-down requirements across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Documentation & Certification: Review engineering documentation, solid models, test plans, and material certifications to prepare final certification packages for the customer.

Qualifications

• Background in Quality Inspection: 3+ years of experience as a Quality Inspector, Quality Technician, or a similar role in a high-mix, low-volume defense manufacturing environment.
• Expert Blueprint & Specification Reading: Exceptional, proven ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, material specifications, and technical documentation.
• Detail-Oriented & Organized: Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills with the same high attention to detail required for final part inspections.
• Tech-Savvy: Experience working with (or a strong desire to master) ERP systems and digital project management software.
• Education: Associate’s degree in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field (equivalent hands‑on inspection experience will be strongly considered).