Senior Specialist, Project Engineer - Missile Propulsion

Motive Companies, LLC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Motive Companies, LLC in Canoga Park, CA seeks a Senior Specialist, Project Engineer to manage missile propulsion projects. You will oversee CAM activities, EVMS, IMS, and cost/schedule performance while coordinating across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

The role requires a strong engineering background, experience with EVMS/CAM/IMS, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to deliver programs on time and within budget. Onsite with travel up to 10% as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 6+ years of relevant engineering experience or a graduate degree with 4+ years of experience.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience in lieu of a degree is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cost Account Management (CAM) activities using Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) to track project cost, schedule, and performance.
• Manage technical execution, project budgets, and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to meet program objectives.
• Support end-to-end proposal development, including cost estimates, schedules, and customer submissions.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Apply knowledge of engineering and manufacturing processes, including BOMs, tooling, procurement, production planning, and validation testing.
• Identify and resolve technical and program execution challenges while minimizing cost and schedule impacts.
• Communicate project status, risks, schedules, and financial performance to program leadership and customers.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Graduate degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Job Details

A&D/Semi

Senior Specialist, Project Engineer - Missile Propulsion Canoga Park,CA Posted:10/23/2026 Job Description Job ID#:

87025

Job Category:

A&D/Semi

Position Type:

Contract

Duration:

12+ months

Shift:

1

Positions Available:

2

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer to support missile propulsion programs in Canoga Park. This role is responsible for managing project cost, schedule, and technical performance while supporting program execution, manufacturing operations, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background, experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), Cost Account Management (CAM), and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Key Responsibilities

• Lead Cost Account Management (CAM) activities using Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) to track project cost, schedule, and performance.
• Manage technical execution, project budgets, and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) to meet program objectives.
• Support end-to-end proposal development, including cost estimates, schedules, and customer submissions.
• Coordinate engineering, manufacturing, production, supply chain, and quality teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Apply knowledge of engineering and manufacturing processes, including design, specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), tooling, procurement, production planning, and validation testing.
• Identify and resolve technical and program execution challenges while minimizing cost and schedule impacts.
• Work independently under the direction of an Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead, managing assigned projects with minimal oversight.
• Communicate project status, risks, schedules, and financial performance to program leadership and customers.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and program briefings.
• Travel up to 10% to supplier locations and production facilities.
• Work extended hours as needed to support program milestones.

Job Requirements Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 6+ years of relevant engineering experience, or a graduate degree with 4+ years of experience. In lieu of a degree, 10+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience managing engineering projects, including technical performance, cost, and schedule.
• Knowledge of engineering and manufacturing processes in a complex production environment.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cost Account Management (CAM), Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS).
• Background in missile propulsion, aerospace, or defense manufacturing programs.
• Experience with small-thruster, storable-propellant propulsion systems, including development, manufacturing, and hot-fire validation testing.
• Ability to interpret propulsion system engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• **Secret Clearance - not required but preferred**
• Experience developing technical and cost proposals, including:
  • Customer requirements analysis
  • Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
  • Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)
  • Pricing inputs and Basis of Estimate (BOE) development
• Experience supporting government propulsion customers and defense prime contractors.

Location: Canoga Park, CA - Fully onsite Schedule: 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) $65-$70 Per hour (DOE)