Scientist, Project Engineer

SoTalent; California (MO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defense firm is seeking a highly experienced Project Engineer to join their propulsion engineering team. This role, based in California, will involve managing and executing critical propulsion programs with a focus on combustion device technologies, ensuring alignment with cost and performance goals.

Qualifications

• At least 12 years of project engineering experience or a Master's with at least 10 years.
• 16+ years of relevant experience can substitute for a degree.
• Ability to manage program oversight, cost control, and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned propulsion projects ensuring timely and on-budget deliverables.
• Interface with clients and suppliers on project scope.
• Develop and present technical solutions for engineering challenges.

Skills

Project Management

Technical leadership

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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Base pay range

$150,000.00/yr - $278,000.00/yr

Work Schedule: 9/80 – Employees work 80 hours across 9 days and receive every other Friday off

A leading aerospace and defense firm focused on delivering advanced propulsion and power systems for national security and space exploration. Our team works across multiple domains—land, sea, air, space, and cyber—developing solutions that power complex missions and push technological boundaries. We foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values professional growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

They are seeking a highly experienced Project Engineer to join our propulsion engineering team, focused on combustion device technologies. Based at their California facility, this position supports the technical execution and program management of critical space and defense propulsion programs. The engineer in this role will lead or contribute to the successful planning, development, and delivery of assigned projects, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, and technical performance goals.

This role involves close coordination with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program teams, and serves as a point of contact for customers on select project elements. The position also requires strong technical knowledge in aerospace propulsion systems and practical experience in leading complex engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate efforts within assigned propulsion projects, ensuring deliverables are met on time and within budget.
• Interface with clients and suppliers to ensure alignment on project scope and execution strategy.
• Develop engineering solutions using established methods while offering creative problem-solving approaches to technical challenges.
• Utilize project management tools and principles, such as Earned Value Management (EVM), to monitor and control project performance.
• Oversee the development of technical plans, validation test strategies, and schedules, ensuring they reflect realistic and achievable goals.
• Partner with the engineering team to guide production processes, tooling design, material selection, and data analysis related to combustion devices.
• Prepare and present briefings for internal leadership and customer stakeholders, summarizing technical progress and project status.
• Support proposal development including technical writing, pricing estimation, and schedule planning.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts for existing systems and development processes.
• Travel occasionally (up to 10%) for supplier visits and team coordination at other sites.
• Flexibility to work extended hours based on project needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (or related field) with at least 12 years of experience in project engineering roles; OR a Master’s degree with at least 10 years of related experience.
• Alternatively, 16 or more years of directly relevant experience in lieu of a formal degree.
• Proven ability to manage multiple aspects of engineering programs, including technical oversight, cost control, and scheduling.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Advanced degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering with 15–20+ years of applicable experience.
• Familiarity with government-funded propulsion programs and related reporting/compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with project planning and documentation tools, including Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications and apply lean manufacturing or production system principles.
• Demonstrated success in generating proposals from concept to submission—defining requirements, building schedules, estimating cost, and detailing technical approaches.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management, Science, and Engineering

• Industries

  Space Research and Technology

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