Project Engineer, AD&S

Costa Mesa · Costa Mesa, CA (OC-00) · USD 129,000-171,000 · 1-3 years experience · Full-time · Onsite · Posted Oct 8, 2026

At a glance

The Project Engineer for Air Dominance & Strike (AD&S) supports the execution of Manufacturing Development Plan (MDP) and Product Development Process (PDP) stage gate deliverables.
This role involves coordinating across programs to track manufacturing readiness, manage action items, and support cross-functional projects within a defense hardware environment.

Support the execution of MDP and PDP stage gate deliverables for manufacturing engineering.
Coordinate with PPMs, PMs, Chief Engineers, and ME managers to prepare stage gate review decks.
Track stage gate action items, open risks, and manufacturing readiness gaps.
Review ME stage gate content for completeness and address gaps.
Coordinate across multiple programs to ensure deliverables stay on track.
Represent Manufacturing Engineering in cross-functional projects including design trades, quality investigations, and supply chain discussions.
Build working relationships with design, quality, supply chain, operations, and program management teams.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of stage gate templates, checklists, and tracking tools.
Spend time on the production floor and at supplier sites to understand manufacturing processes.
Travel to production sites, suppliers, and partner facilities approximately 20% of the time.

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
1-3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production, or a related role.
Foundational understanding of manufacturing processes and product development.
Strong organizational skills to track multiple deliverables across programs.
Willingness to engage cross-functionally with program management, design, quality, supply chain, and operations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Self-motivated and proactive approach to task ownership.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities.

Master's degree in engineering or a related field.
Internship or co-op experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
Exposure to stage gate processes, manufacturing readiness reviews, or product development lifecycle frameworks.
Familiarity with AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
Experience with project tracking tools, data analysis, or presentation development.
Proficiency in CAD software.
Familiarity with manufacturing technologies such as machining, composites, electronics, and assembly.
Appropriate clearance classification.

Based in Costa Mesa, CA.
Requires approximately 20% travel to production sites, suppliers, and partner facilities.