We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Principal Project Engr to manage large programs within our Connectivity Enablers (CXE) Center of Excellence at Sparta Systems. In this highly impactful role, you will lead all aspects of new product introduction (NPI) and program execution, driving design goals, managing costs, schedules, and technical risks, and ensuring products are built and certified to the highest aerospace industry standards.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Manage large programs in Connectivity Enablers (CXE), working closely with project teams and global stakeholders to oversee overall program cost, schedule, technical risks, and dependencies.
- Lead programs to meet design goals, define prioritization of work packages, and drive overall program performance.
- Manage all aspects of NPI product development and program execution, including planning & estimation, end-to-end development, integration, product cybersecurity, qualification, and certification.
- Monitor and track program execution, deploying necessary Management Operating Systems (MOS) and devising improvements.
- Work with CAMs and functional leaders across multidisciplinary teams for planning and tracking project aspects (budget, milestones, quality, staffing).
- Be accountable for the Quality Engineering (QE) process, guiding technical teams on risks, opportunities, and assumptions for efficient estimates.
- Serve as the single point of accountability for assigned engineering scope, reporting to Engineering leadership and Program Management.
- Represent the company to external customers, including airlines, business jet operators, and certification authorities.
- Implement strong MOS in Project life cycle execution, stage gate reviews, Certification, and Process compliances (e.g., CMMi, AS9110 audits).
- Actively participate in and drive COE initiatives to enhance quality, productivity, competency development, and NPI revenue growth.
- Report project outcomes and risks to management, escalating issues as necessary.
- Address barriers and reduce costs in engineering by streamlining workflows.
- Provide direction and motivation to engineering teams for maximum performance.
- Drive Critical Thinking and Do Different Strategies within programs.
- Ensure continuous Principal Engineer skill development within the department.
Skills Requirement:
- Strong experience in the aerospace industry, particularly in building and certifying products related to Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS).
- Proven experience leading multi-functional engineering teams within a global matrix organization.
- Expertise in the preparation and execution of project plans, schedules, cost estimates, baseline change management, risk mitigation, and technical/management reviews.
- Ability to grasp complex technical concepts rapidly and a history of understanding the avionics lifecycle (requirements, development, test, flight test, certification).
- Excellent communication skills to manage and work with various stakeholders across locations, and accountability for creating a robust MOS and Communication plan.
- Experience supporting technical proposals preparation and estimating processes.
- Good leadership skills with a global mindset to drive teams.
- Go-getter attitude and ability to maneuver in complex, abstract, and dynamic business scenarios.
- Ability to quickly analyze, incorporate, and apply new information and concepts.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work with little supervision, consistently taking initiative.
- Strong business acumen, knowledge of current and emerging practices in program execution.
- Good understanding of continuous improvement culture and accountability for delivering productivity savings.
- Significant experience in embedded product development specifically in aerospace, covering lifecycle activities including hardware, software, qualification, certification, and working with suppliers.
- Demonstrated expertise in a variety of program management practices and procedures.
- A proven change agent and practitioner of organizational initiatives, steering execution excellence.
QUALIFICATION:
- BE/B. Tech in a relevant engineering discipline.
