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Aerospace Defense Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related technical field ... Experience with aerospace primes, defense contractors, or FAA-related work. * Familiarity with ...

BRPH is a technically focused, creative architecture, engineering, and construction company with ... The Aerospace & Defense Project Manager performs project management of BRPH projects, performing ...

The Aerospace & Defense Project Manager performs project management of BRPH projects, performing ... Minimum of Bachelor's Degree, in Architecture, Engineering or Construction related field, from an ...

The Process Engineer, Aerospace & Defense will partner with project engineering, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to industrialize new product builds from prototype through production.

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Aerospace Defense Project Engineer information

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$45K

$90.6K

$136K

How much do aerospace defense project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace defense project engineer in the United States is $90,644.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aerospace defense project engineer do?

An Aerospace Defense Project Engineer is responsible for overseeing and coordinating engineering projects related to defense aerospace systems, such as aircraft, missiles, or satellites. They manage project timelines, budgets, and technical requirements while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project objectives are met. Their duties often include designing, testing, and integrating advanced aerospace technologies, as well as ensuring compliance with safety and government regulations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in this role, as is staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in aerospace and defense technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace defense project engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Defense Project Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, project management experience, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, systems engineering tools, and defense-industry standards (such as MIL-STD) is typically required, along with certifications like PMP or Six Sigma. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are essential for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure technical excellence, compliance, and successful delivery of defense systems in a highly regulated environment.

How does an aerospace defense project engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

As an Aerospace Defense Project Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a daily necessity. You will frequently coordinate with design engineers, manufacturing specialists, quality assurance, and procurement teams to ensure that project milestones are met efficiently and in compliance with rigorous defense standards. Effective communication is key, as you may lead meetings, resolve technical challenges, and integrate feedback from multiple departments. This collaborative environment not only helps deliver complex projects but also provides valuable learning and networking opportunities within the organization.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Defense Project Engineer jobs?

For Aerospace Defense Project Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Defense Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,644 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Project Engineer (Aerospace/Defense)

Pontiac, MI

Williams International
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Williams International rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are

Williams International is a privately-owned company that develops and manufactures jet engines for both military and commercial aircraft applications. We are a company of creators who deliver pioneering ideas and technologies that lead the aerospace industry. Our culture fosters creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning to position our team members to inspire each other and provide quality products and supporting services that exceed the expectations of our customers.

The Opportunity

Williams International has an exciting opportunity for a Project Engineer (Aerospace/ Defense) to join our team. The Project Engineer (Aerospace/ Defense) who wants to apply their design, manufacturing, and project management expertise in a strategic role on an Integrated Manufacturing Process and Product Development Team (IMPPDT) for a new commercial turbine engine. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead and shape the development of future products from concept to production and have a high degree of ownership over the project and product.. 

The Project Engineer will:

  • Plan and track project schedules to meet key project milestones
  • Coordinate with cross functional teams to help lead the project through the design, manufacturing, testing, and certification phases of the product lifecycle
  • Define and manage day-to-day task assignments of the engineering team, estimate time to complete, assign, guide and track progress to drive closure
  • Define technical requirements for the product and manage validation and verification activities
  • Track and report on production cost estimates for the product and production readiness
  • Track and report on project budget
  • Track program risks and plan risk reduction activities including testing
  • Support DFMEA/PFMEA analysis
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to newer engineers
  • Create and manage the ordering of hardware for required testing
  • Lead continuous improvement efforts to improve all aspects of the product lifecycle
  • Create and review technical reports
  • Create presentations for management on project status

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required. Master’s Degree in Engineering preferred. 
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience
  • Demonstrated understanding of the principles of gas turbine systems
  • Experience managing engineering projects in aerospace/defense or a similar industry
  • Experience managing engineering tasks, schedules, and budgets
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing methods, materials & processes, mechanical design, aerodynamics, and thermodynamic cycles
  • Experience in all phases of the product life cycle: conceptual design, detail design and optimization, testing, and certification
  • Experience with new product development and introduction
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Be able to work independently and execute multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Experience with Microsoft Project (or similar) project management software
  • Experience with DOORs (or similar) requirements management software
  • Experience with FAA 14 CFR Part 33 certification requirements is a plus
  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) is a plus
  • U.S. citizenship is required
  • Position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance, if needed. Candidates selected may be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. For more information on Security Clearances, please visit: U.S. Department of State.

Additional Information

Williams International is a Drug Free Workplace where all new team members and contractors are subject to pre-employment drug testing for the following controlled substances: marijuana, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, opioids and alcohol as policy dictates.

Williams International is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, and protected veteran status.
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

If you are interested in applying for employment with Williams International and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position due to a physical and/or mental disability, please send an e-mail with your request to HR@Williams-int.com. Or, please call 248-624-5200. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis


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