Project Engineer

Job Title: Lead Project Engineer Job Description The Lead Project Engineer leads cross-functional engineering teams to define project direction, set priorities, and execute technical tasks for complex aerospace projects involving composite structures and related technologies. This role combines hands-on engineering with project management responsibilities, including accountability for technical quality, budget performance, schedule adherence, and coordination with internal teams and external customers. Responsibilities

- Lead the Integrated Product Team (IPT) in the execution of all project tasks and deliverables.
- Establish detailed work plans based on technical requirements, expected outputs, and project objectives.
- Evaluate and define the technical approach for the project and regularly assess technical progress against plan.
- Oversee and coordinate collaborative relationships with external partners and stakeholders outside the organization.
- Work closely with customer stakeholders to understand their program requirements and translate them into actionable plans.
- Communicate regularly with customer representatives to provide project status updates and obtain feedback to ensure project objectives are met.
- Manage project schedules to ensure tasks are completed on time and within budget.
- Monitor project budgets and make informed work-plan decisions so cost projections align with available funding.
- Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, and Project Management departments to schedule and execute the project work plan effectively.
- Create and maintain standard work for project management activities, including project kickoff efforts, labor requests, project finance reporting, weekly status updates, action item lists, invoicing projections, and program closeout efforts.
- Generate all reports and Supplier Data Requirements List (SDRL) deliverables required to meet established or contracted milestones.
- Collaborate with the business development team to identify, pursue, and secure technology transition opportunities.
- Support continuous improvement in project management practices, documentation, and communication across the organization.
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture focused on innovation, quality, and on-time delivery.

Essential Skills

- 4-year degree in mechanical engineering, structural engineering, materials engineering, or an equivalent science or engineering discipline.
- 4+ years of experience working with composite structures, assemblies, or mechanical engineering.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with internal teams and external customers.
- Ability to interface confidently and professionally with customer stakeholders and representatives.
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products for documentation, reporting, scheduling, and analysis.
- Experience with project management, including planning, coordinating, and tracking technical work.
- Experience with budget management, including monitoring costs and aligning work with funding levels.
- Experience with schedule management, including creating, maintaining, and executing against project timelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Background or strong interest in composite structures, composite overwrapped pressure vessels, or related aerospace applications.
- Experience working with mechanical systems and innovative engineering design.
- Interest in learning and applying CREO Parametric CAD modeling, Catia, and FEMAP tools.
- Desire to grow into advanced technical leadership roles such as Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Subject Matter Expert.
- Interest in developing project and program leadership skills that can lead to roles such as Project Manager, Program Manager, Principal Investigator, or Business Area Lead.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, prototype-focused environment in the aerospace industry.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and interest in learning how to start, build, and grow a technology-focused business.

Work Environment The work environment is highly collaborative, innovative, and focused on developing next-generation prototypes for the aerospace industry. Team members work closely with experts in composite structures, mechanical systems, and advanced engineering design tools. The environment encourages knowledge sharing and close collaboration with successful entrepreneurs, providing exposure to both technical excellence and business growth strategies. Modern engineering tools such as CREO Parametric CAD modeling, Catia, and FEMAP are used to support design and analysis activities. The role typically follows standard business hours, with project timelines and milestones guiding workload and priorities. A work-from-home program may be available for eligible team members, offering some flexibility in work location. The organization supports long-term career growth through both technical and project leadership paths and offers benefits such as eligibility for profit sharing and participation in a 401(k) plan. The culture emphasizes teamwork, open communication, and a fun, supportive atmosphere where like-minded professionals collaborate to deliver high-quality aerospace solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.