Principal Project Engineer for Rapid Defense Solutions

V2X Current Openings•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions? As a Principal Project Engineer supporting our engineering team in Indianapolis, Indiana, you’ll play a key role in developing and deploying specialized systems for the U.S. government. From modifying aircraft with advanced mission systems to prototyping cutting-edge technologies, you’ll drive multidisciplinary projects that are impactful, agile, and essential to national defense. In this position, you’ll oversee technical frameworks, manage risk, coordinate with suppliers, and optimize resources while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, you’ll mentor teams, foster collaboration, and help shape policies that enhance efficiencies and drive innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with customers and stakeholders, grow as a leader, and make meaningful contributions to mission success.

Requirements

Strategic thinker with strong collaboration skills across teams, customers, and leadership; capable of explaining complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders while driving innovation and disciplined execution.
Decisive problem solver with ownership of technical challenges, capable of mitigating risks, delivering solutions, and driving innovative outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
Proven ability to design, integrate, and troubleshoot complex hardware and software systems.
Experience in integrating mechanical, electrical, software, and communication systems for vehicle platforms.
Skilled in performing design trade-offs, risk analysis, and component/system compatibility assessments.
Bachelor’s degree in STEM field with 15+ years of experience in defense system development, emerging engineering leadership, and program execution.
Ability to gain or current US Government Secret Security Clearance.
US Citizenship required.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Design and Development Program Experience
Knowledge of routings, work instructions, and Production program environments.
Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices.
Advanced proficiency in systems engineering (IEEE 15288), project management (PMI PMBOK), standards compliance (ISO 9001, AS9100), agile methodologies, and tools like SAP S4/HANA, Azure, Jira, Windchill, GitHub, and configuration/risk management systems.
Hands-on experience in creating system architecture models and diagrams to support ground vehicle integration
Master’s degree in STEM field or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership Develop and oversee department-wide technical frameworks, driving cross-disciplinary integration (mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing).
Lead high-impact, complex technical projects ensuring alignment with organizational goals and innovation.
Risk & Resource Management Identify, analyze, and mitigate engineering risks and opportunities.
Forecast, allocate, and optimize engineering resources across projects and teams.
Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement Manage supplier relationships, ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and delivery timelines.
Build trusted relationships with stakeholders, aligning technical execution with organizational strategy.
Mentorship & Development Mentor engineers at all levels, fostering excellence, collaboration, and leadership development.
Drive department growth through training, process improvements, and team development.
Compliance & Standards Ensure projects adhere to industry standards like IEEE 15288, PMI PMBOK, ISO 9001, and AS9100.
Act as an Independent Technical Reviewer to align decisions with best practices.
Strategic Contributions Support enterprise-wide initiatives delivering measurable outcomes such as efficiency, growth, or customer success.
Represent the organization in strategic forums and technical committees.
Agile Practices Lead agile transformation efforts, optimizing workflows, sprint planning, and collaboration.
Estimation & Planning Establish and guide best practices for cost modeling, proposal development, and resource forecasting.
Ensure engineering proposals meet technical and business benchmarks.