Principal Engineering Project Lead (EPL)
Mercury Systems
Upper Saddle River, NJ · Posted September 10, 2026
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About the job
Job Summary:
Join Mercury Systems’ Signal Technologies Business Unit to lead the development of advanced defense and aerospace solutions. As Principal Engineering Project Lead, you will drive cross-functional engineering programs, combining technical expertise with project management to deliver mission-critical products. You will collaborate with engineering teams, program management, and business stakeholders to ensure successful project execution from planning through delivery. This is an ideal role for a hands-on leader passionate about technical innovation, team coordination, and process improvement.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead engineering execution for complex development programs (hardware, software, RF, systems, integration, test, manufacturing).
Develop and manage project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
Oversee multiple projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-scope delivery.
Track progress, manage risks, and communicate status to stakeholders.
Coordinate cross-functional teams and resolve technical or resource challenges.
Provide technical guidance and support integration activities across disciplines.
Identify and mitigate risks, resolve blockers, and drive decision-making.
Present project status and recommendations to leadership and customers.
Support proposal planning, resource forecasting, and process improvements.
Mentor junior project managers and foster a collaborative, innovative team environment.
Occasional travel (up to 10%).
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
Typically requires 8+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in technical project leadership or systems engineering.
Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex product development (RF, radar, electronic warfare, communications, embedded systems, software defined radio or similar).
Experience full product development lifecycle.
Experience with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project) and financial oversight.
“This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.”
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Management or related field.
Experience with RF systems, radar, electronic warfare, or mission-critical product development.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile/Scrum certification.
Familiarity with requirements management and collaboration tools (e.g., DOORS, Jira, Confluence).
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, cross-functional environments.
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"This position requires you to access information that is subject to U.S. export regulations. You may only access such information if you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. government."