The posting
SNC is pushing the boundaries of advanced infrared technology to deliver mission‑relevant capabilities to the warfighter, and we are seeking a Project Engineer II to lead the effort. In this role, you will serve as a key technical lead, bridging IRAD‑heritage technology with the practical execution of a highly complex, schedule‑driven infrared system demonstration that must perform in a demanding environment. As the lead engineer, you will collaborate closely with multi‑disciplinary teams and an associate contractor to translate functional and performance goals into an integrated, test‑ready system that withstands real‑world constraints. If you are energized by the challenge of transforming low‑TRL infrared concepts into field‑ready, rigorously tested defense capabilities, this role places you at the pivotal intersection of innovation and execution—driving the next generation of mission‑critical infrared technology.
The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations – with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.
Responsibilities:
Project Management
- Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets.
Technical Oversight
- Provide technical oversight and guidance to project teams, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
Customer Interface
- Act as a primary point of contact for external customers on technical matters, ensuring their requirements are met.
Status Reporting
- Prepare comprehensive status reports, including progress updates, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
Issue Resolution
- Identify project issues, develop resolution plans, and implement contingency strategies.
Continuous Improvement
- Proactively seek opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices in project management.
Risk Management
- Develop and manage risk identification, documentation, and mitigation planning.
Qualifications You Must Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- 10+ years' experience in engineering roles with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.
- Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
- Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practice.
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary design and development team.
- Detailed understanding of requirements management, system design, and integration.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
Qualifications We Prefer:
- 4-6 years relevant leadership and/or project management experience.
- Experience with advanced project management tools and methodologies.
- In-depth knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
- Experience leading a multi-disciplinary design and development team and communicating with program management and customers.
- Familiarity with preparation and development of project estimates, technical proposals, and program cost and schedule management.
- Past history of leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of highly integrated trade studies and analysis of alternative.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics, parts lists, specifications, instructions and test procedure.
- Experience or certification in International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) standard.
- Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
- Experience with infrared (IR) or electro‑optical (EO) systems—such as IR/EO payloads, IR sources, or optical effects systems—with demonstrated familiarity with key performance drivers (e.g., spectral bands, power/aperture constraints, thermal management, line‑of‑sight or field‑of‑view considerations) and environmental constraints (e.g., vibration, shock, temperature, altitude, and EMI/EMC) that influence design, integration, and test in an aerospace setting.
- Experience with low TRL payload development and maturation process.
- Experience integrating systems onto ground, airborne, or space platforms.
Essential Functions:
- Occasional travel to customer or field locations may be required.
- Ability to work primarily in an office or hybrid environment.
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally.
- Prolonged periods of working on a computer.
- Hand and finger dexterity for computer use.
- Capability to work in potentially hazardous environments when visiting project sites.
This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We’re known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation’s most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.
