Principal Project Engineer

Ultra•Braintree, MA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

Your mission: As a Project Engineer, you will lead the technical execution of critical development and production programs that directly support national defense. You will own engineering outcomes from proposal through delivery, ensuring performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives are met while guiding multidisciplinary teams toward mission success. This role is ideal for an experienced engineering leader who thrives in complex environments, influences decisions through technical expertise, and takes pride in delivering programs that matter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)
12 or more years' experience as a systems, electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, or acoustic design engineer
Proven technical leadership experience leading engineering teams (5–10 people).
Strong project leadership skills with the ability to maintain focus on budget, schedule, and technical execution.
Excellent oral presentation and technical communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and lead complex engineering efforts.
Experience applying project leadership principles such as Earned Value, SPI/CPI, and Cost Account Management (CAM).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project.
Ability to clearly communicate risks, impacts, and corrective actions to stakeholders.
Comfortable working in a distributed team environment using collaboration tools.
Willingness to travel 10–20%.

Nice To Haves

Active DoD Secret clearance or higher (or ability to obtain).
Experience supporting DoD-funded development programs.
Experience with Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM)
Experience with underwater acoustics and/or sonar systems

Responsibilities

Lead the technical execution of medium-to-large engineering projects and work packages, ensuring delivery within cost, schedule, and quality constraints.
Own the technical content of bids and proposals, including: Proposal Technical Volume development Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and dictionary Cost estimates and Basis of Estimate (BOE)
Apply engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges while balancing performance, risk, and schedule.
Plan, authorize, and monitor engineering work, providing decisive leadership to keep teams aligned and on track.
Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring optimal use of time and resources.
Oversee performance, cost, scope, and schedule for all engineering efforts, including subcontracted work.
Develop and track engineering performance metrics; conduct monthly engineering status and program reviews.
Write technical reports and present findings at peer, design, and program reviews.
Influence program decisions by providing clear, data-driven technical guidance.
Stay current on emerging technologies, tools, and best practices to continuously improve execution.
Support proposal efforts by coordinating across engineering disciplines and managing technical dependencies.