Senior Engineering Program Lead, Defense & RF Systems

mercurysystemscareers; New Jersey; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems is seeking a Principal Engineering Project Lead in its Signal Technologies Business Unit. You will drive cross-functional programs, combining technical depth with project management to deliver mission-critical defense and aerospace products.

The role demands hands-on leadership across hardware, software, RF, and systems, with responsibility for planning, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or related field.
• 8+ years engineering experience, including 5+ years in technical project leadership or systems engineering.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex product development (RF, radar, electronic warfare, embedded systems, software defined radio).
• Experience full product development lifecycle.
• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) and financial oversight.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering execution for complex development programs (hardware, software, RF, systems, integration, test, manufacturing).
• Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Oversee multiple projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery.
• Track progress, manage risks, and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and resolve technical or resource challenges.
• Provide technical guidance and support integration activities across disciplines.
• Identify and mitigate risks, resolve blockers, and drive decision-making.
• Present project status and recommendations to leadership and customers.
• Support proposal planning, resource forecasting, and process improvements.
• Mentor junior project managers and foster a collaborative, innovative team environment.
• Occasional travel (up to 10%).

Skills

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

RF systems

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science

Tools

DOORS

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Mercury Systems is seeking a Principal Engineering Project Lead in its Signal Technologies Business Unit. You will drive cross-functional programs, combining technical depth with project management to deliver mission-critical defense and aerospace products.

The role demands hands-on leadership across hardware, software, RF, and systems, with responsibility for planning, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Travel up to 10% is expected.