Project Engineer – Lead Complex Aviation Programs from Concept to Completion
Drive technical excellence, align teams, and deliver results on mission-critical aviation programs.
The OpportunityPDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation industry to identify an experienced Project Engineer in St. Charles, MO. In this role, you will provide engineering and project leadership across multidisciplinary teams, guiding programs from definition through execution while balancing technical performance, cost, schedule, and customer expectations.
This is a full-time, 12-month consultant opportunity offering competitive pay and the chance to work on high-visibility aviation programs that demand strong leadership and technical judgment.
Job Title: Project Engineer
Job Type: Full time; Consultant (12 Months)
Location: St Charles, MO
Schedule: Monday to Friday; First Shift 8AM-5PM
Pay Rate: $65.45 to $83.48 per hour
What You’ll DoAs a Project Engineer, you’ll serve as the technical and execution lead for assigned projects. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
Providing engineering leadership to cross-functional teams, including internal and external partners
Developing Statements of Work (SOW) to support R&D, ongoing programs, and new business efforts
Working with customers and management to gain SOW approval and alignment
Managing changes to scope by assessing impacts to deliverables, cost, schedule, and resources
Leading project execution to successfully deliver technical objectives
Defining performance metrics and tracking progress against baseline plans
Planning, coordinating, and managing resources throughout the project lifecycle
Identifying risks and opportunities and developing mitigation plans
Comparing actual performance to plans to assess efficiency, productivity, and lessons learned
Providing technical, business, and integration leadership with minimal direction
Required QualificationsBachelor of Science degree from an accredited program in engineering, engineering technology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science
3+ years of experience leading or managing multidisciplinary engineering project teams
Ability to lead in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment
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.
Preferred QualificationsProject Management Professional (PMP) certification
Experience with proposal development and contract negotiations
Experience supporting export compliance or international programs
Experience developing and managing program plans, schedules, and budgets
Engineering project management or planning experience
Experience supporting weapons systems or aviation/defense programs
Experience working directly with government customers
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across organizations
Advanced education and/or experience (Bachelor with 9+ years, Master with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of related experience; ABET accreditation preferred)
Why Join UsAt PDS Tech Commercial, we connect engineering leaders with programs that matter. You’ll be trusted to lead, supported by experienced teams, and challenged by complex technical and programmatic problems.
Opportunity to lead impactful aviation engineering programs
Collaboration with experienced engineers, leaders, and customers
A professional culture that values accountability, communication, and results
Support from a workforce partner with deep aerospace and aviation expertise
Ready to Lead?If you’re a Project Engineer who thrives at the intersection of engineering execution and program leadership, this is your opportunity to make a measurable impact.
Apply today and help deliver the future of aviation.
Pay Details: $65.45 to $83.48 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- 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.