Technical Project Engineer- DoD

About the Role

The Engineering Cost Account Manager (CAM) drives the execution and financial control of complex, integrated hardware and software engineering developments for aerospace and defense programs. This role serves as the primary operational steward and leader for critical program control accounts, with direct accountability for cost and schedule execution. The CAM leverages a strong engineering understanding to coordinate cross-functional activities and act as the central execution leader for the development team.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage engineering cost accounts, monitoring budgets and ensuring cost and schedule compliance.
• Analyze weekly cost and schedule variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate Estimates at Completion (EAC) based on actual engineering progress, remaining scope, and risk assessments.
• Partner with schedulers to develop, maintain, and optimize a realistic, logic-driven Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
• Translate Agile engineering metrics into traditional milestone and earned value tracking.
• Forecast engineering staffing needs to meet program deliverables and milestones.
• Balance technical oversight with financial control to ensure on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Coordinate cross-functional engineering activities across hardware, software, and systems teams.
• Identify early indicators of schedule or technical risks and take proactive steps to prevent delays.
• Collaborate with Program Management and functional leadership to communicate status, resolve issues, and support decision-making.
• Support adherence to Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes and reporting requirements.
• Provide leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering ownership and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 6 years of professional engineering and development experience in aerospace and defense.
• 2–3 years of program engineering experience with ability to recognize schedule risks.
• Prior experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) or working within an EVMS framework.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles in engineering programs.
• Technical acumen across hardware and software development lifecycle, including integration.
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies and application in structured programs.
• Proficiency with Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and logic-driven scheduling.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail in managing budgets, schedules, and scope.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams or serving as a technical lead.
• Agile certification (CSM, SAFe Agilist/Scrum Master, etc.).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Ability to bridge Agile and traditional project management approaches.
• Experience in space electronics or complex aerospace/defense integration programs.
• Proven capability in fast-growing environments and ownership of critical accounts.
• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in Fairfax, VA, within a dynamic aerospace and defense engineering environment focused on space electronics and complex systems. The role involves close collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams, program management, and functional leaders, emphasizing growth, ownership, and leadership. The environment blends traditional program controls (IMS, EVMS) with Agile practices, offering significant professional development opportunities.

Job Type & Location

Contract to Hire position based in Fairfax, VA.

Pay

$50.00/hr.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with pre-tax and Roth options
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for employees and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)