Project Engineer

PDS Defense; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 122,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Coral Gables, FL is seeking a Project Engineer to own complex avionics programs from requirements through qualification and delivery, coordinating electrical, mechanical, software, test and systems engineers as well as manufacturing teams.

You will drive schedules, budgets, risk, and customer communications, lead design reviews, ensure DO-160/DO-254/DO-178C alignment and AS9100 processes, and translate regulatory requirements into actionable tasks for the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years as a practicing engineer in avionics/aerospace/defense or regulated industry.
• 2+ years leading technical projects or programs.
• Working knowledge of aerospace development and qualification processes (DO-160/DO-254/DO-178C).
• Ability to read and engage with engineering artifacts (schematics, requirements, test plans, NCRs).

Responsibilities

• Own the schedule, budget, scope, and risk for new product development programs.
• Coordinate across electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineering, including manufacturing builds.
• Run design reviews and ensure deliverables meet gates and milestones.
• Manage program risk and blockers; communicate with customers and airframe manufacturers.
• Align programs with FAA/EASA airworthiness requirements and AS9100 processes.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Regulatory knowledge

Systems engineering

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

DO-160/DO-254/DO-178C

Job description

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Project Engineer, in Coral Gables, FL.

Pay up to 135,000 per year

Job Description:

As a Project Manager you will have substantive conversations with electrical, mechanical, software, test and systems engineers as well as manufacturing supervisors to develop and build new projects - not just track their schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

Program & Project Management

• Own the schedule, budget, scope, and risk register for new product development programs, from requirements capture through RTCA DO-160/DO-254/DO-178C-aligned qualification testing and delivery.
• Build and maintain integrated program schedules across electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineering disciplines including manufacturing builds of prototypes & initial production units.
• Run design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure engineering deliverables meet internal gates and customer/regulatory milestones.
• Manage program risk, including supply chain constraints, obsolescence, and technical unknowns; elevate and resolve blockers proactively.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and airframe manufacturers on program status, technical trade-offs, and change requests.
• Coordinate with quality and customer certification teams to ensure programs stay aligned with FAA/EASA airworthiness requirements and AS9100 processes.
• Participate directly in technical discussions on product offering to customer, design tradeoffs, human-machine interface layout, wiring and connector design, environmental qualification, and integration with aircraft systems.
• Generate product or system specification (SCD) & corresponding Requirements Verification compliance Matrix.
• Review engineering documentation (product requirements, test plans, safety & reliability, non-conformance reports) with enough fluency to catch gaps before they become schedule or quality problems.
• Partner with engineering leads to translate customer and regulatory requirements into actionable technical tasks.
• Identify recurring technical or process bottlenecks and drive improvements to engineering workflows and tooling.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience as a practicing engineer, ideally in avionics, aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated industry.
• 2+ years of experience managing or leading technical projects/programs, including schedule, budget, and cross-functional coordination.
• Working knowledge of aerospace development and qualification processes (e.g., DO-160, DO-254, DO-178C).
• Demonstrated ability to read and engage with engineering artifacts: schematics, requirements documents, test procedures, and non-conformance reports.
• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting technical status to both engineers and customers/executives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline, or an MBA paired with a strong engineering background.
• Direct experience with flight deck systems and control/display units, human factors or pilot experience, and aircraft installations.
• PMP or similar project/program management certification.
• Prior experience mentoring engineers or leading a small technical team.
• Familiarity with MRP/ERP systems used in manufacturing.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.