Project Engineer III

innoflightinc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational reimbursements

AMA sessions and Learn 'n Learns

Weekly catered meals

401K with company match

Job summary

Innoflight is looking for a Project Engineer III to lead space-capable product development from concept to delivery. You will work with Software, Hardware, Mechanical, FPGA, and Systems Engineers to ensure program success and technical excellence.

Responsibilities include defining scope and architecture, coordinating cross-functional teams, and guiding verification and documentation efforts. A strong background in embedded systems and real-time software is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional projects.
• Extensive embedded systems development and integration experience.
• Expertise in software system architecture and design.
• Knowledge of RTOS and low-level device drivers.
• Experience with Linux development environments and related tools.
• Ability to evaluate system trade-offs among hardware, software and FPGA decisions.
• Understanding of networking and communications protocols.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leads Technical Program Execution across all phases of a program.
• Drives system architecture and development of real-time embedded systems for aerospace/defense.
• Defines and manages requirements in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Provides technical leadership throughout the product lifecycle.
• Manages technical risk and drives proactive mitigation.
• Supports technical deliverables and program artifacts.
• Collaborates on verification strategies and test cases.
• Advances product innovation and guides hands-on engineering work.

Skills

Technical leadership

Embedded systems

System architecture

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in CS/EE

Tools

RTOS

Linux

C/C++

Job description

GROW WITH US ANDSTAY EXTRAORDINARY:

Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight—one of San Diego’s fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We’re not just reaching for the stars—we’re engineering them. Let’s innovate the infinite, together.

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

As a Project Engineer III, you will spearhead the development of space-capable products from concept through delivery, serving as the primary technical point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders. Working within a multidisciplinary team of Software, Hardware, Mechanical, FPGA, and Systems Engineers, you will provide technical leadership, drive system development, and coordinate engineering efforts to ensure successful program execution.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Leads Technical Program Execution: Collaborates with Project Managers and Engineering Managers to define engineering scope, priorities, and technical objectives across all phases of a program.
• Drives System Architecture and Development: Leads the architecture, requirements definition, design, development, testing, and production of real-time embedded systems for aerospace and defense applications.
• Defines and Manages Requirements: Works closely with engineering teams to capture, refine, and document derived requirements that support system functionality and customer needs.
• Provides Technical Leadership: Serves as the technical authority throughout the product lifecycle, guiding engineering teams through complex technical challenges and critical design decisions.
• Manages Technical Risk: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates technical risks throughout development, ensuring issues are addressed proactively to maintain program success.
• Supports Technical Deliverables: Guides engineering teams in the development, review, and delivery of contractually required technical documentation and program artifacts.
• Collaborates on Verification Activities: Partners with Systems Engineering to define verification strategies, develop test cases, and ensure requirements are fully validated.
• Advances Product Innovation: Drives the development of new products and enhancements to existing systems, helping Innoflight maintain a competitive technological advantage.
• Contributes Hands-On Engineering Expertise: Designs, codes, tests, integrates, and documents software and system-level solutions to support project objectives.
• Ensures Engineering Process Compliance: Maintains adherence to software development standards, configuration management practices, and release processes in accordance with Innoflight procedures.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional engineering efforts, coordinate technical teams, and drive projects from concept through production.
• Embedded Systems Development: Extensive experience developing, integrating, debugging, and optimizing embedded systems in complex technical environments.
• System Architecture and Design: Strong background in software architecture, system design, and evaluating performance tradeoffs across hardware, software, and FPGA implementations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and with customers.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent experience and education may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5 or more years of relevant work experience.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional projects from conception through completion.
• Extensive experience with embedded systems development, debugging, and integration.
• Demonstrated expertise in software system architecture and design.
• Knowledge of Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) and low-level device drivers.
• Experience with Linux development environments and related software components.
• Proven ability to evaluate system performance trade-offs involving hardware, software, and FPGA design decisions.
• Solid understanding of networking and communication protocols.
• Ability to effectively address sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:

At Innoflight the sky isn’t the limit—it’s our playground! Here, we strap innovation to a rocket and send conventional thinking into orbit. Our culture thrives on curiosity, camaraderie, and a dash of cosmic creativity, making the vastness of space feel like a small, tight-knit community. Our 9/80 work schedule means every other Friday is yours to ignite personal projects or fuel weekend getaways. Hungry for knowledge? Or just plain hungry? We’ve got both covered! Expand your universe with educational and professional reimbursements, 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) sessions and 'Learn 'n Learns'. Employer-sponsored weekly catered meals—our way of keeping your rockets fueled and ready for innovation. Our Culture Ambassadors ensure we're always aligned with the stars, creating a gravitational pull towards positivity and inclusion.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The starting base pay range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000annually. Base pay will vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to base pay, Innoflight offers a competitive compensation package that includes Profit-Sharing Bonus, Cash Performance Bonus, and a robust benefits package. Innoflight offers health care benefits such as medical, dental, vision, health savings accounts and life insurance. Ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, short term & long-term disability, pet insurance, ID & Legal Shield, Cal-Perks and EAP. You’ll also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 120 hours of paid time off (starting in year 1) and auto enrolled into our 401K with a 3% automatic company match.

BE YOU, WITH US:

Innoflight is firmly committed to being an equal opportunity employer and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. We value and embrace that every single one of us brings value to the table. But sometimes we forget that when we don’t meet 100% of a job description’s criteria – maybe you’re feeling that way right now? We encourage you to apply anyway. Because we want you to be you, with us.

YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

REFERRALS:

We love a good referral! If you know someone that would be a great fit for this position, please share!

NO SOLICITATION FOR STAFFING AGENCIES:

This job posting is intended for direct applicants only. Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies, recruiters, or other third-party sources. All submissions must be made directly by candidates via our official application processes. Unsolicited resumes sent from third parties will be considered property of Innoflight and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

If you are applying for this job and live in California, please read Innoflight’s CCPA Notice:https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.

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