Senior Project Engineer

Location: Irvine, United States of AmericaThales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Senior Project Engineer

Position Summary

This is a hybrid position located in Irvine, California.

Thales is looking for a Senior Project Engineer (Sr. PE), with reasonable supervision of the Program/Project Leader, leads teams of engineers and technical staff in the development and management of advanced in-flight entertainment Products and Systems, aircraft communication systems, and supporting systems.

In this position, you will be accountable for one or more projects of small to medium complexity and/or cost as well as delivering a quality product/system that meets both the technical and customer requirements. You will perform project-level scheduling, reporting, and financial tracking of the projects, working across various functional groups to accomplish goals. You will also be responsible for locating inefficiencies and making improvements.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead multi-discipline project teams in the development and fielding of aircraft entertainment and connectivity products.
• Ability to work with all levels of management internally, externally, and cross culturally.
• Responsible for leading all engineering activities related to project success.
• Responsible to ensure overall project success including cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Generate and maintain execution plans, schedules, and supporting budgets for projects.
• Guarantees commitments to the project including satisfaction of stakeholder’s. requirements within constraints provided by the Hardware Development team and the Project Design Authority.
• Identifies and staff’s projects with the proper skill sets from within the engineering pool needed to ensure Bid / Project / Product delivery.
• Provide the programmatic and technical interface to key subcontractors.
• Optimizes technical work by organizing HW and System engineering reviews and participating to those of lower level solution elements from design to validation and acceptance.
• Tracks competitiveness KPI, performs root cause analysis of problems and conduct associated corrective actions (Performance initiatives) as necessary.
• Responsible to Design, Develop and Qualify the Solution (DDQ), specifically:
  • Build the Development Strategy.
  • Produce and Tailor the System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).
  • Formalize requirements (Sol).
  • Design the solution – Products or Systems.
  • Develop the solution through preliminary (PDR) and critical (CDR) reviews.
  • Support qualification/certification and final acceptance.
• Other duties as assigned by the employee’s manager. Exercises as a Work Package. Manager, responsible for scope, budget and schedule of the assigned Work Packages.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering discipline or Computer Science.
• Minimum of 4 years of related experience in Project Engineering or Master’s degree with minimum of 2yrs of Project Engineering Experience.
• Working Knowledge of Product/System/Solution Development processes.
• Experience with financial tracking methods and tools.
• Strong analytical abilities.
• Headcount/budget management.
• Logical approach to problem solving.
• Good communicator to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to multiplex among projects.
• Experience with financial tracking methods and tools.
• High level of proficiency in MS products such as Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to motivate and deliver results.
• Self-starter / Team Leader.
• Is flexible and adaptable to different environments.
• Is able to use situational leadership skills to work collaboratively and influence key stakeholders.
• Takes decisions in uncertain and ambiguous contexts.
• Able to understand complex situations, recommends appropriate strategies and simplify them for execution.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification or equivalent.
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience as a program/project manager in the aerospace, communications, or IT industry.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in electronic, software, and or mechanical systems/design development.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing a multi-disciplined engineering team.
• Previous experience in planning, implementing, and leading engineering programs and projects.
• Understanding of software development methods and electrical/mechanical design.
• Networking, SATCOM, and/or communication systems design experience.
• Experience in IFE/Commercial Aviation with respect to Product/System/Solution. Development, Qualification, Certification and New Product Introduction.
• Keep Management Informed of Progress.

Special Position Requirements

Physical Environment: Hybrid – Combination of Office (minimum 2-3 days per week) and Home Environment.
Travel: Willing to travel on occasion both domestically as well as internationally (up to 10%).

Benefits - The anticipated TTC range for this role is $79,380.00 - $147,420.00 USD Annual. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

The Company provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA and Well-Being plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution and a match, and without vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, and Employee Assistance Plan.

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-AR1

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.