Job Summary:The Project Engineer supports the successful execution of engineering and production programs related to Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit systems by coordinating cross-functional teams, tracking progress, and ensuring timely achievement of key program milestones. This role assists in planning, organizing, and managing projects across spacesuit hardware development, integration, and production activities, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to deliver flight-critical hardware on schedule, within scope, and within budget.
This position is based at the Frederica, Delaware manufacturing facility and directly supports the development, assembly, integration, testing, and sustainment of EVA spacesuit systems, with a primary focus on the Space Suit Assembly (SSA) in support of NASA programs. The Project Engineer plays a key role in managing the full hardware lifecycle-from design release through fabrication, production, verification, and delivery-ensuring alignment with NASA requirements and strict adherence to human spaceflight safety and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities:- Coordinate and monitor EVA spacesuit hardware projects from design release through production, integration, and delivery
- Serve as a liaison between engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment on production priorities, requirements, and schedules
- Support execution of spacesuit assembly and integration activities at the Frederica site, ensuring readiness for build, test, and delivery
- Ensure hardware fabrication and production efforts are completed on schedule and within budget constraints
- Gather and manage technical, manufacturing, and program data to support requirements definition, build readiness, and production execution
- Lead hardware failure investigations for spacesuit components and assemblies; facilitate root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) across engineering and factory operations
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with program managers and stakeholders regarding risks, issues, and impacts to cost, schedule, or technical performance
- Interface with NASA customers to communicate project status, technical progress, risks, and key milestones through formal reviews, reports, and coordination meetings
- Support integration, test, and verification activities for EVA hardware, ensuring compliance with NASA program requirements and certification standards
- Assist with transition of hardware from development into production, including coordination of build plans, work instructions, and configuration control
- Support project planning activities across proposal, contract execution, and program lifecycle phases for EVA spacesuit programs
- Conduct routine tasks as directed in support of EVA program execution
*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications:- Must be able to access shared government program databases (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
- Experience in manufacturing, engineering, or product development environment preferred
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs)
- Interest in project management and product development (PMP or CAPM a plus)
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Basic knowledge of project management methodologies and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
- Strong collaboration, problem-solving skills, and ability to work effectively in team environments (including navigating constructive conflict)
- Experience with hardware development lifecycle including design, build, test, and qualification phases
- Experience supporting or participating in hardware failure investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation preferred
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Availability to travel up to 25 % of the time (e.g., customer visits, training at our technical centers, trade shows, etc.).
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
