Senior Project Engineer

As a Senior Project Engineer at Auria, your main responsibilities include managing the technical scope, schedule, and cost inputs for various engineering proposals and changes. You'll support the development and collection of Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) evidence, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and resolve any scheduling or resource issues that may arise. Your role will be essential in ensuring that all projects meet their milestones effectively while adhering to the highest standards of excellence.

To qualify for the Senior Project Engineer position at Auria, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and have a minimum of 8 years of related experience, or a Master’s with 6 years, or a PhD with 4 years. Alternatively, 12 years of experience can be considered in lieu of a degree. Additionally, candidates need to have a current DoD issued SECRET security clearance and possess relevant skills in project planning, scheduling, and management.

The Senior Project Engineer at Auria will work on various projects related to the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program. This includes overseeing development lifecycles and supporting both sustainment and development management, which are crucial for enhancing national security and space operations for federal and commercial clients.

The salary range for the Senior Project Engineer position at Auria is competitive, ranging from $125,000 to $140,000. Actual offers will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, skills, education, and experience level, providing a rewarding compensation structure for potential team members.

Auria offers a robust benefits package for Senior Project Engineers that includes a generous PTO policy with yearly increases, flex time for a work-life balance, 11 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, tuition and certification fee assistance, low-cost medical plans with an HSA, and no-cost life insurance. We also provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other benefits to support our employees' well-being.

In managing technical project schedules, it's essential to employ tools like Gantt charts or project management software to visualize timelines. Start by breaking down the project into phases and tasks while considering dependencies and resource availability. Regular coordination with your team and stakeholders will help identify potential bottlenecks and adjust timelines proactively.

My experience with EVMS involves using it to effectively measure project performance against the planned schedule and budget. I'm skilled at analyzing variances to assess project health and making recommendations for corrective actions. I believe that regular reporting and analysis reinforce accountability and drive project success.

I prioritize open communication and establish structured meetings to encourage collaboration. Utilizing collaboration tools like shared digital platforms ensures that all team members are on the same page, and I also promote a culture of respect for each team member's expertise to foster innovation and problem-solving.

In a previous role, I led a project facing unforeseen technical challenges that threatened timelines. I organized brainstorming sessions to gather innovative solutions from my team and worked overtime to reallocate resources where necessary. We successfully adapted our project strategy, which not only got the project back on track but also strengthened team morale.

I believe in identifying potential risks early in the planning stage. I conduct risk assessments, prioritize them based on impact and likelihood, and develop mitigation plans. Regular review meetings allow us to adapt to any emerging risks throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that we proactively address issues before they escalate.

Effective stakeholder communication is vital for aligning project goals and expectations. I establish regular updates and feedback loops to ensure stakeholders are informed and involved in decision-making processes. This fosters transparency and trust, leading to better project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction.

I prefer using tools like Microsoft Project for scheduling and tracking progress due to its robust features. Also, collaborative tools like Trello or Jira help facilitate agile methodologies and manage tasks across teams efficiently. Each tool plays a significant role in increasing productivity and visibility.

Quality assurance starts with clearly defined project requirements and standards. I implement regular review points, quality audits, and acceptance criteria at various stages. Collaboration with quality control teams ensures that any potential deviations are identified and rectified promptly during project execution.

Handling conflicting priorities involves proactive communication and negotiation. I assess the urgency and impact of each priority and engage with stakeholders to clarify project goals. By prioritizing tasks based on strategic alignment and delivering clear justifications, I can help balance goals while minimizing conflicts.

My approach to mentoring involves providing ongoing support and guidance. I believe in fostering a growth mindset and encouraging junior engineers to take ownership of their projects while providing constructive feedback. Regular check-ins to discuss challenges and celebrating successes helps cultivate a healthy learning environment.