Staff Project Engineer

Owen Daniels; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Daniels in Chandler, AZ is seeking a Staff Project Engineer to own technical execution across complex hardware and software programs. This is a hands-on, on-site role based in Chandler, AZ.

The successful candidate will build and maintain schedules across software, FPGA, hardware and manufacturing, manage dependencies, and lead risk and issue management. Collaboration with senior technical leads and mentorship of junior engineers are key aspects of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field is required.
• 10+ years in complex, multi-disciplinary engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the integrated schedule across software, FPGA, hardware and manufacturing.
• Map and manage dependencies so no team is left blocked.
• Own the risk and issue register and flag problems early.
• Partner with senior technical leads to turn architecture into estimated, sequenced tasks.
• Track progress, identify schedule slips, and drive re-planning with leads.
• Hold subcontractors and third parties to agreed dates, quality and acceptance criteria.
• Be the technical execution point of contact between engineering, manufacturing, test and program management; lead milestone reviews.
• Support the handover from development and test into manufacturing release.
• Report status, schedule health and forecasts to leadership; use AI tools to build dashboards and automate tracking.
• Shape how the organization plans and executes, and mentor Project Engineers.

Skills

Program management

Systems engineering

Hardware-software integration

FPGA/embedded

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Software/Electrical/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree or PMP

Job description

Owen Daniels is currently partnered with a global communications technology company. They deliver network, satellite and space solutions to commercial and government customers worldwide. They are seeking a Staff Project Engineer to own technical execution across complex hardware and software programs. This is a hands-on, on-site role in Chandler, AZ.

Job Summary

• Build and maintain the integrated schedule across software, FPGA, hardware and manufacturing.
• Map and manage dependencies so no team is left blocked.
• Own the risk and issue register. Flag problems early, before they become surprises.
• Partner with senior technical leads to turn architecture into estimated, sequenced tasks.
• Track progress, spot slipping work and drive re-planning with the responsible leads.
• Hold subcontractors and third parties to agreed dates, quality and acceptance criteria.
• Be the technical execution point of contact between engineering, manufacturing, test and program management. Lead milestone reviews.
• Support the handover from development and test into manufacturing release.
• Report status, schedule health and forecasts to leadership. Use modern and AI tools to build dashboards and automate tracking.
• Shape how the organization plans and executes, and mentor Project Engineers.

Required and Desirable Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Software, Computer, Electrical or Systems Engineering, or similar (Master’s or PMP a plus)
• 10+ years in complex, multi-disciplinary engineering, including 4+ years driving schedule or technical execution on hardware-software programs
• Proven record of delivering programs under heavy ambiguity with no existing playbook
• Strong software or systems background to assess estimates, architecture and integration risk
• Waterfall or stage-gate delivery experience (critical path, earned value, gate reviews), plus sound judgement on when to use Agile
• Satellite communications, RF/modem, FPGA or embedded experience (desirable)
• Regulated defense or aerospace manufacturing experience, such as ITAR, DFARS or AS9100 (desirable)