Project Engineer

Overview Job Summary The Project Engineer 3 is responsible for the technical and organizational leadership of assigned engineering and certification projects under 14 CFR Parts 21, 27, 29, and 183. Provides senior-level engineering oversight for project execution in terms of cost, schedule, technical performance, and regulatory compliance (quality). Serves as the primary technical authority for assigned programs, ensuring integration across Engineering, Certification, Quality, Manufacturing, and Customer Experience functions. A key organizational influencer, this position is accountable for ensuring adherence to contracts, approved data, and FAA/ODA procedures, while promoting innovation, process improvement, and technical excellence. Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following: Defines, manages, and provides leadership to commercial and military projects ensuring compliance with cost, schedule, and performance baselines. Apply systems engineering principles (SAE ARP4754/4761) and UR’s stage‑gate (NPI) process for development and certification. Functions as the primary integrator between Engineering, Certification, and the ODA to ensure that all modifications meet the approved certification basis and show compliance plan (PSCP). Owns the project Engineering WBS and IMS, ensuring alignment with contractual scope, certification plans, and resource forecasts. Tracks engineering progress through earned value metrics and milestone performance. Generates project status reports, certification deliverable trackers, and risk registers. Authors technical documentation supporting conformity, compliance, and configuration control in EPDM and ODA systems. Develops and reviews engineering cost and schedule estimates in support of Engineering Quote Requests (EQRs), STC programs, and customer modifications. Ensures quotes and subsequent project execution remain aligned through configuration control and disciplined management of scope changes. Provides input to Business Development and CXM during the Proposal phase (NPI 2), including preliminary ACD and PSCP alignment per Sections 2.2 and 3.7 of the PE SOP. Coordinates staffing, technical resources, and certification dependencies across departments. Works closely with the Engineering Director, Certification Manager, and ODA Lead Administrator to allocate appropriate personnel and DER/UM support. Facilitates daily alignment between Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality to ensure readiness for conformity and testing. Oversees project certification activities and ensures compliance with the approved PSCP and Conformity Inspection Plan (CIP). Ensures development, coordination, and document readiness in support of ground and flight test activities, assists Airworthiness Certification Engineers with conformity inspection planning, and ensures timely data approval and closure of all FAA/ODA findings. Acts as the technical liaison with DERs, FAA ACO representatives, and ODA Unit Members to achieve data approval, including for kits and completions, and STC/Amendment project authorization. Mentors Project Engineers I and II, fostering their development in FAA/ODA processes, systems engineering, and program execution. Champions process improvement through lessons learned, Lean principles, and the Streamline and Automate framework. Promotes technical and cultural excellence across the engineering organization. Other duties as assigned. Supports organizational initiatives, audits, and internal continuous improvement programs related to FAA or AS9100 requirements. Additional Job Requirements Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling: Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies. Supervisory Responsibilities While this position has no supervisory responsibilities, this is a senior leadership role within Engineering. The Project Engineer 3 provides functional and technical leadership to project teams and may lead multiple Project Engineers and technical staff on complex programs. This position does not have formal HR authority (hiring/firing), but influences staffing, task assignment, and performance feedback in collaboration with department management. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Mechanical, Electrical, Aeronautical, Aerospace, or related engineering field from a four‑year college or university. Minimum of 10 years’ experience in design, analysis, and certification of aircraft systems under 14 CFR Parts 21 and 23, 25, 27, or 29. Master’s degree or Professional Engineer (P.E.) preferred. Minimum of 5 years’ experience leading certification or ODA projects as a project or lead engineer. Demonstrated experience developing or managing FAA‑approved data, PSCPs, CIPs, or conformity documentation. Strong working knowledge of systems engineering, risk management, and configuration control principles. Skills Advanced understanding of FAA certification processes and ODA delegation procedures. Strong business acumen with the ability to understand business situations, strategies, theory, processes, management, budgeting, and operations. Demonstrated ability to integrate cost, schedule, technical, and compliance objectives into executable project plans. Ability to multi‑task efficiently, work in a fast‑paced environment on multiple projects, and maintain strong attention to detail. Exceptional communication skills and technical writing ability for regulatory and customer‑facing documentation. Computer Skills Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD preferred). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, EPDM, and standard project management tools. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations None required; FAA DER, ODA UM eligibility, or PMP certification preferred. Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Minimum pay USD $103,556.25/Yr. Maximum Pay USD $129,425.63/Yr. Benefits For more information on our industry‑leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60‑1.35(c) #J-18808-Ljbffr