Sr. Project Engineer

QPS Employment Group; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Company-paid life and disability

Voluntary insurance options

401(k) with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

QPS Employment Group is assisting a fast-paced aerospace and defense subcontractor in Rockford, IL seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead NPD efforts, manage research, modeling, analysis, and drawing release.

The role serves as a technical leader across disciplines, coordinating with manufacturing, supply chain, and program management to design, procure hardware, and support testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent).
• 8+ years of engineering experience (6+ years with advanced degree).
• 4+ years leading technical and/or new product development projects.
• Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies.
• Familiarity with aerospace design requirements and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts from program kickoff through hardware delivery.
• Collaborate with program management to review requirements and communicate status.
• Support proposal development, CAD modeling, drawings, and analyses.
• Monitor deliverables, timelines, and cost targets.
• Design for manufacturability and producibility, support testing.

Skills

NPD leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

CAD modeling

Finite element analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Position Title:

Senior Project Engineer

Wage:

$95,000 - $120,000/year

We are a fast-paced aerospace and defense subcontractor in Rockford, IL specializing in actuation systems, rotating components, and related mechanical and electromechanical solutions. Our team supports the latest generation of aerospace platforms through engineering, prototyping, testing, and production of flight control and utility actuation equipment.

We operate with the agility of an entrepreneurial organization while maintaining the structure and resources needed to deliver complex, high-performance products. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, integrity, respect, teamwork, and technical excellence. We are seeking individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Position Summary:

The Project Engineer plays a key role in supporting new product development (NPD) efforts, ensuring timely completion of all technical aspects including research and development, modeling, analysis, and drawing release.

This position serves as a primary technical leader on assigned programs, working cross-functionally with engineering disciplines, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management to complete design, procure hardware, and support testing activities.

Senior Project Engineer Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead from program kickoff through hardware delivery


• Collaborate with program management to review requirements and communicate technical status to customers


• Support proposal development, conceptual design, CAD modeling, detailed drawings, and engineering analyses


• Establish and monitor project deliverables, timelines, and cost targets


• Translate concepts and layouts into solid models and detailed drawings


• Design and detail products throughout all phases of the product lifecycle


• Ensure designs meet cost, form, fit, and function requirements


• Support assembly, test, production, suppliers, and customers with technical expertise


• Design for manufacturability and producibility (DFMA)


• Participate in prototype builds and support production troubleshooting in a hands‑on shop environment

Qualifications for Senior Project Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent)


• 8+ years of relevant engineering experience (6+ years with advanced degree)


• 4+ years leading technical and/or new product development projects


• Experience designing mechanical components and assemblies (bearings, pins, fits, etc.)


• Experience conducting trade studies, tolerance stack-ups, thermal and structural analyses


• Knowledge of aerospace design requirements (military and commercial)


• Familiarity with qualification/certification testing (e.g., environmental testing standards)


• CAD experience (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar platforms)


• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills


• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and GD&T (ANSI Y14.5)


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Aerospace and motion control experience preferred


• Experience with quality systems such as AS9100 preferred


• Experience with PDM systems and workflow setup preferred


• Design experience for harsh environments preferred


• Knowledge of motors, sensors, and open/closed-loop control systems preferred

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• Company-paid life and disability insurance


• Voluntary insurance options


• 401(k) with company match


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)


• Paid time off and paid holidays