Project Engineer
19622
Position Summary:
TheProject Engineerwill lead technical and commercial project activities from bid development through execution. The Project Engineer will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for aerospace manufacturing projects while also coordinating project timelines, resources, and deliverables across departments. The person in this role will thoroughly review RFP/RFQ requirements, including the SOW, deliverables, schedule, and develop detailed cost data for labor, materials, outside processing and non-recurring activities. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to play a key role in both the financial and operational success of aerospace programs. This role requires a blend of engineering, project management, and cost analysis.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Estimating Duties:
- Lead the technical scope development for bids and proposals in collaboration with business development, program management, operations, and engineering teams.
- Work directly with the customer’s procurement and technical team to determine detailed requirements and deliverables
- Examine the requirements of the RFP (Requests for Proposals)/RFQ (Requests for Quotes), including SOW (Statement of Work), technical data package, deliverables, schedule, term and conditions, and non-recurring activities. Review and document the requirements for regulatory/statutory, customer approvals, customer qualifications, third-party approvals, and special processes not in place. Address any requirements outside our standard business model.
- Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, outside processing, non-recurring (material min buys, tools, start-up, programming, qualification activities, etc.)
- Develop FAR compliant cost and price data that includes historical data, supplier quotes, WBS, BOE, FAR schedules, Small Business Subcontracting Plans, and rates, etc.
- Proposal write-ups (Executive Summary, Cost Volume, Management Volume, Technical Volume)
- Lead bid/no bid meetings, lead cost reviews with supporting data (pictures, target pricing, industry, or customer intel, etc.)
- Maintain and provide real time updates to the Bid Activity List and electronic quote folders
- Follow-up and manage action items from customer RFPs/RFQs, and customer meetings
- Other duties as assigned
Project Analyst Duties
- Conduct kick-off meetings and coordinate start-up activities to hand-off information from estimating to the Program Manager, IPT members and management (for specific or strategic awards) to ensure they align with project forecasts.
- Support activities for customer awards (contract review, etc.)
- Conduct financial reviews (post-mortems) on specific parts/programs, including low margin parts
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are met
- Work closely with Program Manager and Operations Supervisor to monitor budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment with estimates
- Prepare and present regular project status reports to internal stakeholders and customers as directed
- Track and manage changes in project scope, schedule, and costs
- Maintain detailed project documentation, meeting minutes, action items, and status reports
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Skills:
- Interpret customer technical data packages, including, models, .stp files, drawings, specifications, SOW, etc., including the ability to use and interpret data from 3D modeling software (CATIA, etc.)
- Professional business communications (written and verbal)
- Strong computer skills (MS Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
- Excellent communication skills (internal/external), including presenting in person to customers
- High desire to learn and solve problems
- Understanding of business financials
- Experience working in customer portals, Exostar, USG portals (SAM, DIBBS)
- Knowledge of the Aerospace Industry (commercial and defense, aircraft platforms, customers)
- Knowledge of FARs, DFARs, and other federal agencies
- Time management skills that result in organized, accurate and on time work
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with minimal supervision
Education & Experience:
- S. Person status required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (particularly aerospace or mechanical) preferred.
- Required: At least five years-experience in aerospace manufacturing estimating
- Experience in engineering, manufacturing, program management, value stream, or cost accounting is a plus
Location Profile:
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helicomb International is a leading Tier II Supplier specializing in the manufacturing and repair of composite and metal bonded parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies for the global aerospace and defense industries.
Freqently Asked Questions
Tulsa’s aerospace sector demands Project Engineers who adeptly coordinate multidiscipline teams while managing complex schedules and cost estimates. Handling aerospace manufacturing projects here involves interpreting detailed technical data and navigating regulatory requirements, ensuring projects align with both customer expectations and federal standards.
Career progression for Project Engineers in aerospace typically involves expanding expertise in project management, cost analysis, and technical scope development. Gaining experience with FAR regulations and mastering cross-functional coordination can lead to senior roles or program management positions, especially in companies focusing on defense and commercial aircraft platforms.
Proficiency with CATIA and similar 3D modeling tools is vital for interpreting complex aerospace designs, enabling accurate cost estimations and scope definitions. A Project Engineer must translate model data into actionable project plans, ensuring manufacturing meets stringent aerospace standards and assists in regulatory compliance.
Tulsa hosts a specialized aerospace manufacturing cluster with moderate competition for Project Engineers. While not as saturated as larger hubs, the city demands engineers skilled in aerospace-specific project controls and compliance, offering a balanced job market with opportunities for those versed in both technical and financial project aspects.
Certifications related to aerospace quality standards, like AS9100, and familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) are highly valued in Tulsa. Additionally, understanding customer qualification processes and experience with portals like Exostar can provide candidates an edge in this region’s aerospace manufacturing environment.
At Titanium Metals Corporation, Project Engineers play a pivotal role bridging estimating and execution phases, focusing heavily on bid development and cost analysis tailored to aerospace manufacturing. The integration of financial reviews with technical scope development distinguishes this role, demanding a hybrid skill set uncommon in more segmented aerospace firms.
The company encourages Project Engineers to act as liaisons among business development, operations, and engineering teams, fostering seamless communication. This collaborative model ensures that bids and project execution align precisely with customer requirements, schedules, and compliance, enhancing overall program success in aerospace manufacturing.
Project Engineers in Tulsa’s aerospace sector typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience and specific skills. Those with strong expertise in aerospace cost estimation, FAR compliance, and project management may command salaries at the higher end, reflecting the specialized demands of this industry.
Managing scope changes requires keen attention to detail and proactive communication with cross-functional teams. Aerospace Project Engineers must assess cost impacts, update schedules, and secure customer approvals promptly to mitigate risks and maintain alignment with initial estimates and regulatory standards.
Understanding FAR and DFARS is critical, as it ensures all pricing and project activities comply with government contracts. Project Engineers skilled in these regulations facilitate smoother proposal processes and help avoid costly compliance issues, which are especially prevalent in defense-related aerospace projects.
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