Senior Project Engineer

Job Summary We are seeking a driven, technically skilled, and customer-focused Senior Project Engineer to lead strategic manufacturing projects while serving as a key contributor to operational leadership and business growth. In this role, you will manage complex customer programs from quoting and onboarding through production execution and delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering and manufacturing expertise with exceptional communication, project management, and relationship-building skills. You will work cross-functionally with quality, manufacturing, engineering, production control, and leadership teams to drive operational excellence, develop profitable customer relationships, and support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. This position is designed to grow into a critical leadership and customer management role within the company and offers significant opportunity for long-term professional growth and organizational impact. Responsibilities Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of complex aerospace and defense manufacturing projects from concept through production and delivery. Serve as the primary point of contact for select customer accounts, managing communication, expectations, technical collaboration, and overall customer satisfaction. Develop detailed project plans, schedules, deliverables, and execution strategies in collaboration with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and production control teams. Prepare accurate manufacturing quotes, cost models, routing structures, and pricing strategies to support profitable business growth. Collaborate with customers to resolve technical issues, support new product introductions, and ensure all contract requirements are clearly understood and executed. Support new part onboarding activities including PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, CPk studies, quality documentation, and process validation. Learn and support core operational functions including purchasing, scheduling, order entry, shipping protocols, tooling management, and resource deployment. Participate in leadership meetings and continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, lean manufacturing, and strategic growth. Assist in the implementation of process improvements, equipment integration projects, training systems, and manufacturing workflow enhancements. Develop strong knowledge of aerospace, defense, and space industry standards, customer requirements, compliance systems, and communication portals. Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, outside processing partners, and customer stakeholders. Support open-book management initiatives by understanding operational financials, profitability metrics, and business performance drivers. Drive accountability across cross-functional teams to ensure projects are completed on schedule, within scope, and aligned with company goals. Contribute to long-term strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational growth initiatives. Requirements Bachelor's degree required; Engineering degree strongly preferred. 10+ years of experience in manufacturing environments. 5+ years of machining or precision manufacturing experience. 3+ years of technical sales, account management, project management, or customer-facing engineering experience. Experience working within ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machining operations, quoting, and production workflows. Familiarity with aerospace and defense industry standards, customer portals, and contracting processes. Experience with lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement initiatives, and visual workplace systems. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across customers, suppliers, shop personnel, and executive leadership. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software tools. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining strong follow-through and accountability. Financially minded with the ability to understand cost drivers, profitability, and return-on-investment considerations. Positive, self-motivated, and collaborative leadership style with strong interpersonal skills. Why Join Us This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible role with meaningful impact across engineering, operations, customer relationships, and company leadership. You'll work alongside a collaborative team committed to operational excellence, innovation, and long-term growth within the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry. We are committed to developing leaders who bring technical expertise, business acumen, and a passion for continuous improvement to everything they do.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person