Principal Project Engineer

Protecting What Matters. Powering the Future of Naval Technology.

Your work here has global impact. From developing sonar and radar systems to advancing unmanned and undersea platforms, our technologies empower the U.S. Navy and allied forces to operate in some of the world’s most complex environments.

As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we continue to push boundaries—driven by innovation, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Join us as we shape the future of naval warfare—safeguarding the seas and strengthening navies worldwide.

Nationality Requirements

Due to the nature of the programs we support, certain roles may require candidates to meet U.S. nationality requirements and be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Position Summary

Your mission:
As a Project Engineer, you will lead the technical execution of critical development and production programs that directly support national defense. You will own engineering outcomes from proposal through delivery, ensuring performance, cost, schedule, and quality objectives are met while guiding multidisciplinary teams toward mission success.


This role is ideal for an experienced engineering leader who thrives in complex environments, influences decisions through technical expertise, and takes pride in delivering programs that matter.

Job Description

What You’ll Be Accountable For

• Lead the technical execution of medium-to-large engineering projects and work packages, ensuring delivery within cost, schedule, and quality constraints.

• Own the technical content of bids and proposals, including:

  • Proposal Technical Volume development

  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and dictionary

  • Cost estimates and Basis of Estimate (BOE)

• Apply engineering expertise to solve complex technical challenges while balancing performance, risk, and schedule.

• Plan, authorize, and monitor engineering work, providing decisive leadership to keep teams aligned and on track.

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineering teams, ensuring optimal use of time and resources.

• Oversee performance, cost, scope, and schedule for all engineering efforts, including subcontracted work.

• Develop and track engineering performance metrics; conduct monthly engineering status and program reviews.

• Write technical reports and present findings at peer, design, and program reviews.

• Influence program decisions by providing clear, data-driven technical guidance.

• Stay current on emerging technologies, tools, and best practices to continuously improve execution.

• Support proposal efforts by coordinating across engineering disciplines and managing technical dependencies.

What You Bring

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• 12 or more years' experience as a systems, electrical, mechanical, digital signal processing, or acoustic design engineer

• Proven technical leadership experience leading engineering teams (5–10 people).

• Strong project leadership skills with the ability to maintain focus on budget, schedule, and technical execution.

• Excellent oral presentation and technical communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and lead complex engineering efforts.

• Experience applying project leadership principles such as Earned Value, SPI/CPI, and Cost Account Management (CAM).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project.

• Ability to clearly communicate risks, impacts, and corrective actions to stakeholders.

• Comfortable working in a distributed team environment using collaboration tools.

• Willingness to travel 10–20%.

Desired Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance or higher (or ability to obtain).

• Experience supporting DoD-funded development programs.

• Experience with Earned Value Management System (EVMS)

• Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM)

• Experience with underwater acoustics and/or sonar systems

Why This Role Matters

The work you lead here isn’t theoretical—it protects people, strengthens national security, and delivers real-world capability to those who rely on it. You’ll have the authority to shape technical direction, the responsibility to deliver results, and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact.

If you’re driven by accountability, technical excellence, and mission success, this is where your leadership belongs.

#LI-onsite

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Expected Compensation: The expected compensation range for this role is

$146,328.00 - $219,544.00

.

Please note this represents the expected range. Ultra Maritime considers multiple factors when determining final compensation, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, a candidate’s relevant experience and education, certifications and training, as well as current business and market conditions.

What Ultra Maritime Offers You

At Ultra Maritime, we invest in our employees and their well-being:

• 
  Climate controlled, well-lit and clean work environment!

• Work/life balance that includes up to 3 weeks PTO for first year

• 8 Paid Holidays, with 3 floating holidays

• 401k Plan with Company Match

• Educational Assistance Program (Tuition Reimbursement)

• Wellness Program and incentives

• Company HSA contributions

• Insurance Benefits that start 1st of the month following hire

• Eligibility in Company Performance-based bonuses annually

• Additional Employee Discounts and Perks

Company-Paid Benefits:

• $75 monthly student loan repayment program

• Basic Life Insurance

• Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• Long Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Employee-Paid Benefits:

• Medical and Prescription insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans

• Supplemental AD&D insurance for Employee and Family

• Accident Plan

• Critical Illness Plan

• Hospital Indemnity Plan

• Pet Insurance

• Identity Theft

Reasonable accommodation statement: if you need an accommodation for any part of the application process, please email

[email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ultra Maritime is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace that is fair, respectful, and inclusive, and we make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As a U.S. defense contractor, Ultra Maritime maintains strict standards related to integrity, compliance, and security.

We operate a drug-free workplace and, where permitted by law, may conduct pre-employment background checks and substance-abuse screening based on role requirements.

Company: Ultra Maritime

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