Lead Project Engineer

FlightSafety•Broken Arrow, OK

About The Position

The Lead Project Engineer (LPE) is the primary technical leader responsible for planning, executing, and delivering complex military flight simulation programs. The role bridges technical engineering management and project execution, serving as the central point of contact for the engineering team, program management, and military customers. The LPE ensures flight simulation training devices are designed, integrated, and qualified on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with defense and contractual requirements. The position leads technical work from initial concept through final system delivery, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams and supporting the Program Manager with plans, schedules, budgets, and customer support strategies. It oversees integration, testing, qualification, risk and change management, quality compliance, and technical problem resolution. Support for proposals, cost estimates, and technical presentations is also part of the role. Travel, shift work, and special work hours may be required for integration milestones, customer acceptance testing, and on-site deployment. The role may require access to export-controlled technology and eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Employment is contingent on applicable compliance reviews and export-control eligibility.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, or Systems), Computer Science, or another highly relevant technical field.
At least 5 years of engineering experience in the aerospace, defense, or flight simulation industry.
At least 2 years in project leadership, cost-account management, or technical team lead roles.
Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams through the full development lifecycle of complex aerospace or simulation hardware/software systems.
Strong proficiency with engineering project management tools such as Microsoft Project or Jira, and schedule management.
Experience tracking engineering metrics, milestones, and budgets, such as through CAM or EVMS methodologies.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical topics to military officers, government civilians, and corporate executives.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including regularly sitting, using hands to handle or feel objects, and talking or hearing; occasional standing, walking, reaching, and lifting or moving up to 10 pounds.
Ability to work in an environment with occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and vibration.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience managing delivery of military Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs).
Familiarity with systems engineering frameworks, configuration management practices, and requirements tracking tools such as Jama or DOORS.
Knowledge of military acquisition processes and defense standards, such as MIL-STD-882E for system safety and RMF for cybersecurity.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the technical execution of complex military flight simulation projects from initial concept through final system delivery.
Serve as the primary technical interface for internal multidisciplinary engineering teams, military customers, and prime contractors.
Assist the Program Manager with developing and maintaining technical project plans, master schedules, budgets, and customer support strategies.
Coordinate day-to-day technical efforts across software engineering, mechanical design, electrical engineering, visual systems, and simulator technicians.
Track engineering progress and milestones using tools such as Jira and Microsoft Project, identify critical-path items, and report project status to stakeholders.
Identify technical risks, implement mitigation strategies, and evaluate the scope impact of Engineering Change Proposals.
Drive the master integration schedule, coordinating the transition from hardware fabrication and software builds through full-system testing and military qualification.
Ensure engineering work and system designs comply with customer specifications, military regulatory standards, and internal quality requirements.
Facilitate rapid technical problem resolution and provide hands-on support during simulator integration and testing.
Support Systems Engineering with proposal development, engineering cost estimation, and technical presentations for new projects and contract modifications.