Aerospace Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Description

 Company Overview

AMS Group, Inc. is a leading distributor, manufacturer and supplier of engineered aerospace and defense systems, components, and subsystems, providing innovative technologies and logistics support to defense and security markets. We are a rapidly growing small business (100 employees) with our headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia and offices in Stevensville, Maryland; Kearneysville, West Virginia; San Diego and Torrance, California. AMS Group, Inc. and its business units are committed to conducting business in a legal, ethical, and socially responsible manner. We consistently focus on creating value and innovation to benefit our partners, clients and customers while also ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Aerospace Project Engineer for our AMS Operations business unit based in Torrance, CA where we manufacture a wide variety of electrical, mechanical, and electronic assemblies.

The Aerospace Project Engineer is a hands-on role for an engineer who enjoys variety and thrives on problem solving. It presents a unique opportunity for an engineer to own the technical lifecycle of a product from conception to delivery. At the pre-award phase, this engineer will thoroughly analyze technical data packages (TDPs), solve obsolescence issues, and develop detailed technical proposals that comply with customer requirements. Post-award, this position will design required test equipment, orchestrate production rollout, and oversee the transfer of knowledge to the production team. This is a high-impact role requiring strong technical problem-solving, project ownership, and coordination with multiple departments.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Review and analyze TDPs including engineering drawings and specifications - identify gaps, risks, ambiguities, and manufacturability concerns to ensure a smooth production process.

Identify and solve obsolescence issues through a variety of methods including alternate product research and testing, qualification by requirement, and reverse engineering.

Research and evaluate component and process suppliers, assess manufacturing capability against technical and quality requirements, serve as technical POC for key vendors, and surface issues before they affect schedule or quality.

Generate detailed technical proposals including engineering estimates of materials, labor, tooling, and testing.

Partner with procurement to define strict technical requirements for material sourcing and vendor selection.

Develop comprehensive build and testing plans, including the coordination of testing with outside laboratories.

Hands-on design of manufacturing test fixtures, jigs, and specialized production equipment.

Build initial product prototypes and author detailed, step-by-step build documentation (work instructions).

Transfer technical knowledge to production personnel, train operators, and provide engineering oversight during active build and test cycles.

Create and manage engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, and specifications.

Apply engineering judgment to recommend design or process changes when issues arise in production, from suppliers, or from customers with appropriate rationale and risk assessment.

Support the change management process by drafting ECRs/ECOs - evaluate the impact of changes on structure, geometry, weight, and OEM license scope.

Work with limited precedent when necessary, by researching applicable standards, processes, or technologies and apply findings to solve problems.

Requirements

   KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Minimum Requirements 

Proficient knowledge of electronics, circuit card assemblies (CCAs), and electrical assemblies sufficient to do parts selection and design of products.

Working knowledge of machined parts, castings, sheet metal fabrication, and specialty processes (surface treatments, bonding, potting) and ability to assess manufacturability and process risk.

Working knowledge of military sealed cables using circular military connectors and EMI braiding.

General knowledge of tools, test equipment, meters, and scopes.

CAD proficiency including the ability to create parts and assemblies from scratch, modify existing geometry, and generate drawings to GD&T standards (Altium / SolidWorks preferred).

Estimation skills - ability to scope an engineering task, identify unknowns, and give a realistic schedule commitment.

Strong organizational, interpersonal communication and management skills. 

Ability to manage own workload: plan, estimate, track, and communicate progress without requiring close supervision.

Ability to research unfamiliar domains and apply first principles to new problems without being handed a solution.

Strong technical reasoning - ability to evaluate a situation, identify critical elements, and make a recommendation.

Limited travel required in support of supplier and customer visits.

WORK EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Minimum B.S. in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated capability.

5-10 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing, MRO, or product development environment.

Experience working with Military Specifications, ISO9001, AS9100 and other aerospace/defense standards.

Familiarity with industry standards including IPC, SAE, and other similar standards.

Experience supporting government contracts and defense programs preferred.

Experience using an ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar.

AMS Group, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of the ITAR. The ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.