About the job Senior Project Engineer – Test Equipment (Aerospace & Defense Leader)
Senior Project Engineer – Test Equipment (Confidential Aerospace & Defense Leader)
Buffalo, NY (Hybrid – Primarily Onsite) | Global Exposure
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a top-tier aerospace and defense organization to identify a Senior Project Engineer supporting military aircraft flight control systems through advanced test equipment development and sustainment.
This is a mission-critical role at the intersection of engineering, program execution, and global defense support, where your work directly ensures the reliability and performance of systems deployed worldwide.
If you're a technically grounded project leader who thrives in complex environments—this is where engineering precision meets global impact.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Mission-Driven Work: Support test systems that validate critical flight control technologies
- End-to-End Ownership: Lead full lifecycle delivery—from requirements through deployment
- Global Collaboration: Engage with U.S. and international defense customers and vendors
- High Visibility: Direct interaction with senior leadership and key stakeholders
Engineering in a Modern, Data-Driven Environment
This organization is evolving its engineering ecosystem through:
- Advanced test systems and validation frameworks
- Data-driven performance verification and diagnostics
- Integration of digital engineering and predictive testing methodologies
- Structured execution using program governance and earned value principles
You'll operate in an environment where:
- Engineering decisions are grounded in data, validation, and compliance
- Complex systems are delivered through disciplined program execution
- Innovation is applied to real-world defense applications
What You'll Own
- Lead planning, execution, and delivery of test equipment projects supporting military aircraft systems
- Manage one major and multiple concurrent projects, ensuring delivery on time and within scope
- Own cost, schedule, and performance tracking, including forecasting and reporting
- Collaborate with military customers and internal engineering teams to define and deliver requirements
- Develop technical specifications, SOWs, and proposals for test equipment solutions
- Oversee vendor selection, subcontract management, and performance evaluation
- Act as Contractor Coordinator, including on-site vendor oversight and audits
- Drive resolution of technical issues, non-conformances, and corrective actions
- Ensure adherence to compliance, safety, and regulatory standards
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or related field
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7+ years of experience in:
- Technical project management
- Aerospace, automotive, or test equipment environments
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Proven experience managing:
- Cost, schedule, and scope for complex engineering programs
- Requirements, validation, and verification processes
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Strong background in:
- Vendor/subcontract management
- Technical documentation and proposal development
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Hands-on familiarity with:
- Hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical actuation systems
- Ability to obtain security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)
Preferred Profile
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
- Exposure to international customers and global programs
- Familiarity with EVMS or structured program management frameworks
- Background in test equipment design or validation systems
Environment & Expectations
- Hybrid role based in Buffalo, NY (primarily onsite)
- Travel: ~25% (domestic and international)
- High accountability role requiring ownership, precision, and leadership
Why Partner With Us
At Northwest Talent Solutions, we specialize in placing high-impact engineering leaders into roles that shape critical industries.
- We leverage AI-enabled sourcing and talent intelligence to identify niche, high-value talent
- Deep expertise across aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering ecosystems
- We deliver a high-touch, confidential search experience tailored to senior professionals
This is not a transactional process.
This is a strategic search for engineers who operate at the highest level.
Interested?
If you're ready to lead complex engineering programs that support mission-critical aerospace systems, we'd love to connect.