Senior Project Engineer - Defense Startup

Senior Project Engineer - Join a High-Growth Defense Manufacturing Startup Scaling Next-Generation Composite Production!Hawthorne, CA | On-siteOpportunity SummaryWe are seeking a Senior Project Engineer to lead complex, cross-functional engineering initiatives at a rapidly scaling defense technology startup based in Hawthorne, California. This is a high-impact, on-site role at a pilot manufacturing facility where advanced composite production is being redefined for mission-critical defense applications. This position is ideal for a technically grounded project leader who thrives in fast-paced R&D environments. You will drive large engineering programs from early concept through production, align multidisciplinary teams, manage external vendors, and ensure projects stay on schedule, within scope, and within budget. If you are motivated by meaningful work that strengthens national security while helping reshore advanced U.S. manufacturing, this is an opportunity to take ownership and make a measurable impact.About UsWe are a venture-backed defense manufacturing startup developing a breakthrough production method for fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Our proprietary process enables complex parts to be manufactured with significantly improved strength and quality at dramatically accelerated production speeds compared to traditional methods. With active Department of Defense programs and partnerships across the defense industrial base, we are focused on scaling advanced manufacturing capabilities for some of the most urgent mission needs in the United States.Job DutiesLead large, technically complex R&D programs spanning product design, stress analysis, tooling, materials, and manufacturing engineeringBuild and maintain detailed project roadmaps including milestones, task dependencies, risk registers, and communication plansCoordinate timelines across multiple engineering teams to ensure alignment and execution consistencyIdentify bottlenecks, anticipate technical and operational risks, and proactively implement mitigation strategiesManage third-party vendors and external partners to support project deliverablesDevelop and track project budgets, balancing personnel, equipment, and facility resourcesUtilize project management tools such as Excel, Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana, or similar platforms to monitor progress and performanceServe as the connective link between technical teams and execution leadership, ensuring clarity across stakeholdersStep into technical problem-solving when necessary to support engineering progressDrive programs from early research phases through proof of concept and into production readinessQualificationsU.S. Person as defined by EAR and ITAR regulationsBachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline3+ years of relevant project engineering or technical program management experienceBackground in mechanical, manufacturing, quality, or related engineering fieldsDemonstrated ability to build and execute structured project timelinesExperience managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneouslyStrong cross-functional collaboration skills in agile, fast-moving environmentsExperience working with external vendors and suppliersProficiency in project management software and tracking toolsAbility to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrong organizational skills with a proactive, risk-aware mindsetPreferred ExperiencePMP or comparable project management certificationExperience implementing or supporting Quality Management Systems such as AS9100 or ISO9001Familiarity with advanced quality and reliability tools including FMEA, PFMEA, and DFMEAExperience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industriesDirect experience managing R&D engineering programsBackground leading technical programs from early-stage development through scaled productionWhy Join UsEquity participation and ownership mindsetOpportunity for rapid growth in a scaling defense technology companyHigh ownership and visibility across mission-critical programsFast-moving, hands-on engineering environmentStrong PTO policyMedical, dental, and vision benefits401(k) with 1:1 employer match up to 4% of salaryWork that directly supports national defense and advanced U.S. manufacturingCompensation Details$110,000 - $155,000#LI-AV

Created: 2026-04-02