Engineering Project Planner

JOB TITLE: Engineering Planner

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTING TO: Chief Engineer

Founded in 1955, Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC) is a research and development business specializing in design, fabrication and flight testing of experimental rotorcraft and unmanned air vehicles. Piasecki has developed and flown more than 25 different advanced VTOL and UAV aircraft and continues to develop cutting-edge vertical flight technologies.

SUMMARY:

The Piasecki Aircraft Corporation Engineering Planner is responsible for supporting and planning contract deliverables. They will provide interface/support to the program manager, IPT leads, and others to achieve program objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Spearhead efforts to identify inefficiencies in project planning and scheduling processes. Develop and implement strategies to streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and enhance overall efficiency within the engineering department.
• Evaluate resource utilization across projects and departments to ensure optimal allocation of manpower, equipment, and materials. Implement systems for tracking resource availability and utilization to improve resource planning and forecasting.
• Establish standardized procedures for project planning, scheduling, and execution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop SOPs that promote consistency, efficiency, and quality in project management practices.
• Ensure the program Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and plans are horizontally and vertically integrated across company functional groups including finance, engineering, procurement, and quality.
• Craft written taskings and prioritize engineering tasks in accordance with contractual, performance, technical, and safety requirements.
• Develop recovery plans to ensure program milestones are completed in accordance with the contract requirements.
• Perform independent schedule risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Interface with a variety of program functional organizations such as Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing, Subcontract Management, Business Management, and Program Management while working with the entire planning team to translate customer requirements into the program baseline.
• Maintain, publish, and present relevant planning and scheduling information and metrics to provide visibility and communicate potential issues to management and engineering.
• Act as liaison with vendors, internal and external customers.
• Anticipate changes in the priorities of tasks or volume of work to be accomplished and make necessary adjustments.
• Maintain IMS and ensure progress to goals, risks, cycle times and IMS.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• 3+ years of experience in engineering department management or comparable leadership
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage engineering teams effectively, with a track record of successfully driving process improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering principles and practices, with experience in project planning, scheduling, and execution within a technical environment. Proficiency in utilizing project management tools and software.
• Ability to think strategically and identify opportunities for process optimization, workflow improvements, and departmental organization. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges and drive meaningful change.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate ideas, influence stakeholders, and build consensus across cross-functional teams. Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / CLEARANCES:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field of study
• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical field (Preferred)
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance (Required)

Benefits:

PiAC offers comprehensive health benefits, a 401k retirement plan with employer matching, and generous paid time off benefits to full-time employees.

Relocation: 

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Piasecki Aircraft Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Export Control Requirements: 

U.S. Government Export Control Status: This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.15 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.