Job Description

Principle Project Engineer - Defense

We are seeking a Principal Project Engineer in Santa Clarita, CA to provide technical and program leadership across complex, mission-critical defense engineering initiatives. This role operates at a strategic level, driving execution excellence, influencing cross-functional and executive stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with long-term business and customer objectives.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, with a strong track record of leading large-scale, multi-disciplinary programs in defense or aerospace environments.

Location Santa Clarita, CA-Onsite

Salary: $ 144,100.00 - $192,100.00 per year plus potential bonus

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in CA. Criteria such as the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

We Take Care of Our People

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Your Challenge

• Provide technical and program leadership for large, complex defense programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, customer requirements, and organizational priorities.

• Own and drive execution of Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and critical paths to ensure successful program delivery.

• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, delivering program insights, risk assessments, and data-driven recommendations.

• Lead cross-functional engineering teams and influence matrixed organizations without direct authority to achieve program milestones.

• Establish and implement best practices in program execution, including schedule management, cost control, and risk mitigation.

• Oversee technical reviews of designs, specifications, and system architectures, ensuring performance, scalability, and compliance with defense standards.

• Drive resolution of complex technical and programmatic issues, balancing cost, schedule, and performance trade-offs.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across programs.

• Guide development of test strategies, validation frameworks, and system integration plans to ensure product readiness and reliability.

• Provide oversight for production readiness, manufacturing strategies, and lifecycle support considerations.

• Lead high-level customer engagements, including technical reviews, proposal support, and program negotiations.

• Mentor and develop engineering talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and innovation.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Master’s degree or advanced technical certification preferred.

• 12–15+ years of progressive engineering experience, with significant exposure to defense or aerospace programs.

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale, complex programs with full ownership of scope, schedule, and budget.

• Deep expertise in Microsoft Project and Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) management within highly regulated environments.

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and executive leadership.

• Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to integrate across engineering disciplines.

• Experience in risk management, cost control, and program execution frameworks (e.g., EVMS is a plus).

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.

Who We Are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Integrated Systems in Santa Clarita prides itself on experience, expertise, and low risk solutions. Our primary focus is understanding the technical challenges our customers face and creating partnerships in order to provide a high TRL solution.

Some of the services we provide are:

• System-level architecture

• Highly skilled program management

• Industry-leading engineering services

• Turnkey system design

• Production capabilities that range from early prototype phase through volume production

To learn more visit: https://www.curtisswrightds.com/about/company/locations/santa-clarita

#LI-YH1

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.

For US Applicants: EEO is The Law – click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.