Project Engineer

Leidos' Defense Systems Defense Sensors is seeking a highly motivated and organized Project Engineer to support execution of a complex, fast-paced defense modernization effort.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional engineering activities, manage technical baselines, track deliverables, and serve as the integration focal point between Systems, Software, Mechanical, Electrical, Test, and Program Management teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Directly support program management office in successful execution of all aspects of the program(s) including cost, schedule, procurement, integration, resource management
• Collaborate with program management on staffing forecasts, estimate at completion/estimate to completion planning, and engineering services hours tracking
• Develop, maintain, and track engineering schedules, technical deliverables, risk items, and action plans
• Identify, document, and mitigate engineering risks and technical issues
• Work with technical leads to define and evaluate resources and schedule required to complete defined work
• Proactively manage the personnel performing the detailed scope of work
• Support supplier management, subcontractor coordination, and integration of directed subcontractor activities
• Assist in the development of technical documentation, system engineering management plan elements, verification plans, and integration schedules
• Capture and communicate status across engineering teams and senior leadership, including weekly metrics, dashboards, and risk registers
• Participate in system integration and test planning events, including readiness assessments and deficiency resolution
• Review all resources and cost charging to the control account and assure its accuracy
• Prepare control account variance analysis reports that clearly address cause, impact, and corrective action
• Participate in applicable IPT meetings to assure technical integration
• Work in a team environment, oversee team status on progress and issues, and elevate as needed for support

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, systems engineering, or related technical discipline from an accredited school and a minimum of four (4) years of direct experience, or a MS degree from an accredited school and two (2) years of direct experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting large defense development programs or production programs
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, be able to work in a team, and develop cooperative relationships
• Hands-on experience with engineering schedule management, integrated master schedules, or project planning tools
• Ability to track multiple tasks and prioritize work independently
• Ability to lead technical discussions, drive decisions, and maintain momentum within cross-functional teams
• Experience with supply chain management and ability to work with suppliers to help them meet both hardware and non-hardware deliverable requirements
• Must have current active Secret clearance to be considered

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting missile defense, radar, integrated air and missile defense, or other complex defense systems programs.
• Familiarity with Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS), Earned Value Management (EVM), and risk management processes.
• Experience supporting gate reviews, technical baseline management, or production/program integration activities.
• Understanding of hardware development, manufacturing integration, and system test execution.
• Experience working with subcontractors including SOW development and technical oversight.
• Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence, or similar program execution tools.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management training is a plus.

Desired Skills

• Program execution and integration
• Cross-functional team coordination
• Schedule and milestone tracking
• Risk and opportunity management
• Action item management and closure
• Executive-level communication
• Technical review coordination
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Team leadership and collaboration
• Attention to detail and organizational discipline