Project Engineer III

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

About The Position

The Project Engineer III role focuses on leading and executing technical projects, ensuring the successful integration of engineering solutions, and driving innovation within the team. This position requires a strong technical foundation, advanced engineering expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The role involves overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects, ensuring they meet technical specifications and quality standards as well as cost & schedule constraints. This role serves as a bridge between the Engineering and Program Office on a given project. In this role, you will lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects, effectively balancing technical and programmatic constraints while overseeing the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects. You will provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts, ensuring that projects meet technical specifications and quality standards. Your responsibilities will include conducting high-impact trade studies, leading technical evaluations, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers. You will manage suppliers by developing and managing Statements of Work, addressing supplier issues, and creating return-to-green plans for supplier schedules. Additionally, you will support Program Management Teams by owning key programmatic functions such as Risk Management and Cost/Schedule management. As part of your role, you will interface with key customers and stakeholders, communicate and coordinate across engineering and functional teams, and provide clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions. You will deliver status updates and key insights on project progress to leadership, including reporting Key Performance Indicators and Technical Performance Metrics. Furthermore, you will drive innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team and play a crucial role in conflict resolution by serving as the bridge between Engineering and Program offices, acting as the voice of all stakeholders, from support functions to the customer.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 yrs experience).
Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
Strong technical foundation on which to build project/programmatic skills.
Ability to lead small cross-functional teams and projects.
Advanced technical knowledge and expertise in the relevant engineering discipline.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to lead technical teams and ensure projects are completed within budget and scheduling constraints.
Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
General knowledge of two or more functional disciplines outside of engineering (e.g., supply chain, manufacturing, operations, program management).
Thorough knowledge and understanding of risk and opportunity management.
Expertise in communicating and coordinating across engineering and functional teams.
Clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with increasing responsibilities in project management.
Professional Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience with systems engineering and integration.
Proficiency in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
Experience with CAD software and engineering design tools.
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
Experience in product lifecycle management (PLM).
Familiarity with Agile and Lean methodologies.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience in developing and managing project budgets.
Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead medium-sized cross-functional teams and projects, effectively balancing technical and programmatic constraints.
Oversee the design, development, and implementation of engineering projects.
Provide technical estimation support to develop Basis of Estimates, Proposals, and Contracts.
Conduct high-impact trade studies and lead technical evaluations.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
Manage suppliers by developing and managing Statements of Work, addressing supplier issues, and creating return-to-green plans for supplier schedules.
Support Program Management Teams by owning key programmatic functions such as Risk Management and Cost/Schedule management.
Interface with key customers and stakeholders.
Communicate and coordinate across engineering and functional teams.
Provide clear verbal and written communication of technical concepts, plans, and actions.
Deliver status updates and key insights on project progress to leadership, including reporting Key Performance Indicators and Technical Performance Metrics.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team.
Serve as the bridge between Engineering and Program offices, acting as the voice of all stakeholders.