Project Engineer II

Sierra Nevada Corporation•Lone Tree, CO

2d•$165,010 - $226,889•Hybrid

About The Position

SNC is pushing the boundaries of advanced infrared technology to deliver mission‑relevant capabilities to the warfighter, and we are seeking a Project Engineer II to lead the effort. In this role, you will serve as a key technical lead, bridging IRAD‑heritage technology with the practical execution of a highly complex, schedule‑driven infrared system demonstration that must perform in a demanding environment. As the lead engineer, you will collaborate closely with multi‑disciplinary teams and an associate contractor to translate functional and performance goals into an integrated, test‑ready system that withstands real‑world constraints. If you are energized by the challenge of transforming low‑TRL infrared concepts into field‑ready, rigorously tested defense capabilities, this role places you at the pivotal intersection of innovation and execution—driving the next generation of mission‑critical infrared technology. The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
10+ years' experience in engineering roles with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.
Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practice.
Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development team.
Detailed understanding of requirements management, system design, and integration.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

4-6 years relevant leadership and/or project management experience.
Experience with advanced project management tools and methodologies.
In-depth knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
Experience leading a multi-disciplinary design and development team and communicating with program management and customers.
Familiarity with preparation and development of project estimates, technical proposals, and program cost and schedule management.
Past history of leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of highly integrated trade studies and analysis of alternative.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics, parts lists, specifications, instructions and test procedure.
Experience or certification in International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) standard.
Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
Experience with infrared (IR) or electro‑optical (EO) systems—such as IR/EO payloads, IR sources, or optical effects systems—with demonstrated familiarity with key performance drivers (e.g., spectral bands, power/aperture constraints, thermal management, line‑of‑sight or field‑of‑view considerations) and environmental constraints (e.g., vibration, shock, temperature, altitude, and EMI/EMC) that influence design, integration, and test in an aerospace setting.
Experience with low TRL payload development and maturation process.
Experience integrating systems onto ground, airborne, or space platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets.
Provide technical oversight and guidance to project teams, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
Act as a primary point of contact for external customers on technical matters, ensuring their requirements are met.
Prepare comprehensive status reports, including progress updates, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
Identify project issues, develop resolution plans, and implement contingency strategies.
Proactively seek opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in project management.
Develop and manage risk identification, documentation, and mitigation planning.