Lead Mission-Critical Aerospace Innovation – Join Us as a Project Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a premier leader in the aviation industry to hire an accomplished Project Engineer for a full-time, 12-month contract opportunity in Long Beach, CA. This is your chance to support a legendary C-17 Program, the world’s leading military airlift platform, and play a key role in advancing avionics and development initiatives that matter on a global scale.

As a senior-level engineering professional, you will help bridge strategic business objectives, tactical execution, and technical excellence. Your leadership, technical depth, and ability to align cross-functional teams will directly influence program success, stakeholder satisfaction, and the future of aerospace innovation.

What You’ll Do

As a Project Engineer supporting the C-17 Avionics and Development team, you will:

• Partner with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) Director and leadership team to drive strategic priorities and execution goals
• Lead and coordinate complex technical, organizational, and cross-functional initiatives
• Bridge gaps between business strategy, engineering execution, and technical objectives
• Support hardware and software development programs through all phases including design, testing, qualification, and delivery
• Independently integrate efforts across internal teams and broader enterprise stakeholders
• Solve complex system, hardware, and software challenges with strong analytical judgment
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization—upward, downward, and laterally
• Prepare and deliver presentations, status updates, and executive-level communications
• Mentor junior engineers and help strengthen team capability and performance
• Drive stakeholder and customer satisfaction through proactive leadership and results

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical discipline
• Typically 14+ years of related experience (or equivalent advanced degree combinations)
• 10+ years of experience leading complex technical, strategic, or organizational projects
• Experience supporting hardware and software development through full lifecycle phases
• Strong communication, collaboration, and influence skills
• Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities across systems, hardware, and software architectures
• Ability to work onsite in Long Beach, CA with reliable attendance

Preferred Qualifications

• Military aircraft program experience
• Background supporting U.S. Government, Aerospace, DoD, or DoW programs
• Experience working in a matrixed organization
• Familiarity with PMBOK principles and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS)
• Knowledge of Agile development methodologies
• Proven leadership, team-building, and mentoring experience
• ABET-accredited degree preferred, though not required

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect top-tier professionals with opportunities that shape industries and advance innovation. When you join this team, you’ll gain:

• Premium pay Starting at  $84.18 per hour
• Opportunity to contribute to the world-renowned C-17 military airlift program
• Exposure to high-level aerospace engineering strategy and leadership
• Collaborative environment with elite technical professionals
• Meaningful work supporting mission-critical aviation capabilities
• Long-term contract stability with a respected industry leader

Position Details

• Job Title: Project Engineer
• Location: Long Beach, CA
• Schedule: Monday–Friday | First Shift | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Pay Rate Starting at  $84.18  per hour
• Job Type: Full-Time Contract (12 Months)

Ready to Shape the Future of Aerospace?

If you’re a seasoned engineering leader ready to solve complex challenges and drive strategic success, we want to hear from you. Apply today and take your career to new heights with PDS Tech Commercial.

This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               
 

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.