Principal Project Engineer, Test & Validation (Onsite)

About the role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Principal Project Engineer to lead complex engineering development and capital projects at our Rockford facility. This role is responsible for managing cross-functional teams across Mechanical, Electrical, and Software disciplines while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, cross-functional projects involving Mechanical, Electrical, and Software engineering teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and budget forecasts for new system development initiatives and capital projects.
• Proactively identify project risks and issues, implement corrective actions, and recommend effective solutions to maintain scope, schedule, and cost objectives.
• Manage work packages and project performance using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) methodologies.
• Prepare and deliver performance metrics and detailed analysis to support periodic EVMS reporting to the program office.
• Collaborate with the Section Manager to establish project priorities, allocate engineering resources, and conduct risk assessments.
• Facilitate and lead weekly project status review meetings to track progress and resolve action items.
• Provide comprehensive project status reports to Senior Management, Program Management, and Finance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between Engineering Test Equipment teams and internal/external customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations.

Qualifications

• You must have a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
• Prior experience in project management in an engineering or technical environment is preferred.
• Proven experience in Engineering Test Equipment or complex system development programs, driving successful project execution from concept to delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met.
• Advanced expertise in Earned Value Management System (EVMS) reporting and compliance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
• Strong strategic planning and risk management skills, with a track record of identifying issues early and implementing effective solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for financial analysis and MS Project for integrated schedule management.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• A generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy, such as pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection, birth, adoption, parental leave benefits, Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning, Adoption Assistance, Autism Benefit, Employee Assistance Plan, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

What You Will Do

Lead complex, cross-functional projects involving Mechanical, Electrical, and Software engineering teams to ensure successful program execution.

Develop and maintain detailed project schedules and budget forecasts for new system development initiatives and capital projects.

Proactively identify project risks and issues, implement corrective actions, and recommend effective solutions to maintain scope, schedule, and cost objectives.

Manage work packages and project performance using Earned Value Management System (EVMS) methodologies.

Prepare and deliver performance metrics and detailed analysis to support periodic EVMS reporting to the program office.

Collaborate with the Section Manager to establish project priorities, allocate engineering resources, and conduct risk assessments.

Facilitate and lead weekly project status review meetings to track progress and resolve action items.

Provide comprehensive project status reports to Senior Management, Program Management, and Finance.

Serve as the primary point of contact between Engineering Test Equipment teams and internal/external customers, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Proven experience in Engineering Test Equipment or complex system development programs, driving successful project execution from concept to delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary engineering projects, ensuring schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met.
• Advanced expertise in Earned Value Management System (EVMS) reporting and compliance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
• Strong strategic planning and risk management skills, with a track record of identifying issues early and implementing effective solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for financial analysis and MS Project for integrated schedule management.