Principal Engineering Technical Project Manager (TPM)

TRIDENT SYSTEMS LLC • Sterling, VA

12h • $140,000 - $188,000

About The Position

At Trident Systems Space Electronic Systems (SES) division, the Principal Engineering Technical Project Manager (TPM) drives execution and financial control of complex, integrated hardware and software engineering developments for aerospace and defense programs. The role serves as the primary operational steward and leader for critical program control accounts, with direct accountability for cost and schedule execution.

The TPM uses an engineering background to understand technical scope, coordinate cross-functional activities, and lead development-team execution. Responsibilities include proactively identifying technical risks, tracking hardware and software integration dependencies, and partnering with Program Management and functional leadership to resolve variances. The role requires command of traditional Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and Agile development methodologies.

The position is with Trident Systems' Space Electronic Systems division, which develops space-based electronic systems for DoD, Intelligence Community, and civil space customers. The position is located in Sterling, Virginia, and may require travel or off-site work as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 9 years of professional engineering and development experience within the aerospace and defense industry.
• Prior experience as a Technical Project Manager (TPM) or Cost Account Manager (CAM), or intimate working experience within an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) framework.
• Solid understanding of the full hardware and software development lifecycle, hardware/software integration, and Agile methodologies.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or serving as a technical lead/product owner.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agilist/Scrum Master, or equivalent Agile certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage cost accounts and budgets, and ensure cost and schedule compliance.
• Analyze weekly cost and schedule variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate Estimates at Completion (EAC) based on engineering progress and remaining work.
• Work with schedulers to maintain a realistic, logic-driven Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Translate Agile engineering metrics, including sprints and velocity, into traditional milestone tracking.
• Forecast engineering staffing needs to meet upcoming deliverables.
• Identify technical risks, track hardware/software integration dependencies, and coordinate cross-functional execution.
• Partner with Program Management and functional leadership to resolve variances.
• Support travel or off-site work as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, basic life with AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, and voluntary ancillary coverage.
• Spending accounts, including HSA, FSA, and DCFSA.
• Paid time off.
• Holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Parental, maternity, and military leaves.
• Annual discretionary bonus for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal