Staff Engineer – Flight Management Systems Project Leader

GE Aerospace; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

GE Aerospace in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead planning, execution and delivery of complex flight management computing systems projects, ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence and budget control for critical avionics solutions.

This role requires coordinating cross-functional teams, managing risk and vendors, adhering to DO-178C/DO-254, and communicating status to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, integrated product development team leadership or a combination of both within the aerospace or avionics industry, specifically with flight-critical systems.
• Proven experience leading complex software and/or hardware development projects for flight management systems.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace industry standards, such as DO-178C and DO-254.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate diverse teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project) and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with risk management, configuration management, and change control processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of flight management computing systems projects from concept through deployment, including requirements definition, design, development, integration, testing, and certification support.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation strategies effectively to stakeholders, senior leadership, and customers.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace industry standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254) and GE Aerospace's engineering processes.
• Collaborate with product management, systems engineering, software development, hardware engineering, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance project efficiency, quality, and predictability.
• Manage external vendor relationships and deliverables as required for project success.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within project management practices and engineering methodologies.

Skills

Project leadership

Jira

MS Project

Agile

Waterfall

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Cross-functional coordination

DO-178C/DO-254 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline

Tools

Jira

MS Project

Job description

Job Description Summary

Drives initiatives to improve the effectiveness of the Engineering function and interfaces with other functions to provide effective coordination of metrics, dashboards, functional processes, and cross-functional initiative coordination. Impacts approaches, projects and programs in the functional area or affected business organization and ways of working. Impacts quality, efficiency and effectiveness of own team. Has significant input into priorities. Guided by professional practices and policies that are shaped by the role. The role has moderate autonomy, requiring high levels of operational judgment.

Job Description Summary

Drives initiatives to improve the effectiveness of the Engineering function and interfaces with other functions to provide effective coordination of metrics, dashboards, functional processes, and cross-functional initiative coordination. Impacts approaches, projects and programs in the functional area or affected business organization and ways of working. Impacts quality, efficiency and effectiveness of own team. Has significant input into priorities. Guided by professional practices and policies that are shaped by the role. The role has moderate autonomy, requiring high levels of operational judgment. This position is based in Grand Rapids, MI and follows a hybrid work schedule, with in-office presence required Tuesday through Thursday. An extensive corporate relocation package is available for eligible candidates.

Job Description

Job Summary

Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex flight management computing systems projects within GE Aerospace, ensuring technical excellence, schedule adherence, and budget control for critical avionics solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of flight management computing systems projects from concept through deployment, including requirements definition, design, development, integration, testing, and certification support.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Lead cross-functional engineering teams, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Communicate project status, risks, and mitigation strategies effectively to stakeholders, senior leadership, and customers.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace industry standards (e.g., DO-178C, DO-254) and GE Aerospace's engineering processes.
• Collaborate with product management, systems engineering, software development, hardware engineering, and quality assurance teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance project efficiency, quality, and predictability.
• Manage external vendor relationships and deliverables as required for project success.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within project management practices and engineering methodologies.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in project management, integrated product development team leadership or a combination of both within the aerospace or avionics industry, specifically with flight-critical systems.
• Proven experience leading complex software and/or hardware development projects for flight management systems.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace industry standards, such as DO-178C (Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification) and DO-254 (Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate diverse teams.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project) and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Experience with risk management, configuration management, and change control processes.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• This position requires U.S. citizenship status.

The base pay range for this position is $130,000.00 - $173,000.00 USD Annually. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a percentage of your base salary/ commission based on the plan. This posting is expected to close on 10/31/26.

GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

GE Aerospace (General Electric Company or the Company) and its affiliates each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes