Principal Project Engineer

Company: Element U.S. Space & Defense
Location: Camden
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

About Company: Element U.S. Space & Defense stands at the forefront of testing innovation, serving as a trusted partner to NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies, and prominent industry leaders across the space and defense sectors. Founded as NTS Technical Systems, our company brings over 60 years of experience and expertise in handling the most complex projects and programs in the world. From centrifuge testing for the latest Mars rover, vibration testing for the Space Launch System (SLS), to environmental simulations for next-generation missiles, we are the pioneering partner for highly custom, end-to-end testing design and implementation. By advancing our state-of-the-art testing technologies, subject matter expertise, and service to critical missions, Element U.S. Space & Defense has become the go-to partner for ground-breaking industries. What We Offer: Growth & Development: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement. A collaborative and innovative work environment. The chance to work on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of space and defense. Benefits: Employees are eligible to participate in the benefits offered throughout their availability, including the following: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts Seven (7) paid holidays and four (4) paid floating holidays, depending on your hire date Paid Time Off (PTO), accrued biweekly 401k with employer match Twelve (12) hours of Paid Volunteer Time Off (PVTO) each year Tuition reimbursement and other employee programs Flexible schedules offered at some of our labs Monthly Lab Bonus plans (Based on position) Salary: At EUSSD, compensation is determined through a comprehensive approach that considers candidate qualifications, role responsibilities, market benchmarks, and organizational needs. Pay may vary by location; for this position with potential eligibility for bonuses or commission depending on the role. Summary: Element U.S. Space & Defense is a premier provider of independent test and evaluation services to the US defense, aerospace, and space industries. We offer comprehensive munitions, energetics, and weapon systems testing, including ballistics, rocket motor and warhead performance, environmental/dynamics, and insensitive munitions. We are seeking a Munitions and Energetics Sr Project Engineer to support our testing operations on a contract basis, with an initial requirement of 6 months. The ideal candidate has extensive munitions and energetics testing experience including weapon system safety and performance qualification. The Sr. Project Engineer will act as the technical liaison between the customer, internal program management, and test department operations to ensure smooth program execution. This activity will require extensive knowledge of munitions performance and insensitive munitions (IM) test process, as well as DoD requirements for reporting and review, including pre- and post-test activities. Frequent travel to our test facility in Camden, AR will be required to support test activities. Primary Responsibilities: Review customer statements of work and project requirements, and develop project plans, schedules, and technical documentation as required Coordinate with cross-functional teams including program management, operations, and customer technical POCs to meet project objectives Monitor project progress and resolve issues impacting project cost and schedule Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory and industry standards Identify project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials and work with program management and operations to source and allocate these resources Prepare and deliver project status reports to stakeholders Conduct risk assessments (e.g., safety, cost, technical, schedule) and implement mitigation strategies Develop, review and/or approve engineering solutions such as fixture designs, analysis, or specifications to facilitate test execution Conduct project close-out activities and post-project evaluations Perform other duties as may be required Minimum Qualifications: BS in Engineering or related field required 8 years of relevant technical project and engineering experience Experience with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) Experience in working in a project team environment Must meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information Extensive background check and US Citizenship will be required Preferred Qualifications: BS in Mechanical, Physics, or Aerospace Engineering preferred, advanced degree preferred 10 years of relevant technical project and engineering experience, preferably at a US Gov’t munitions test site Knowledge and Skills: Working knowledge of energetic materials and formulations including high explosives Knowledge of energetic systems such as fuses, warheads, and rocket motors Familiarity with energetic material qualification tests and methods: sensitivity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, hazard classification, ageing, toxicity Knowledge of energetic performance testing: detonation velocity, critical diameter, burn rate, cylinder expansion, etc. Knowledge and experience with munitions test instrumentation and diagnostics such as flash x-ray, PDV, DIC, high speed video, ballistic radar, blast gauges, piezo pins, and associated data acquisition systems Experience interacting with various DoD weapons, munitions, and safety boards (e.g., NOSSA, DDESB, WSESRB, MREB, Army IM Board) to secure necessary approvals for transportation, testing, and qualification Knowledge and experience with relevant testing standards such as MIL-STD-2105, AOP-7, TB 700-2, and related NATO STANAGs and ITOPs Ability to identify safety hazards and implement risk reduction activities to mitigate Must be proficient with compliance to established safety rules, code of conduct, and company policies and procedures Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support EUSSD test sites, customer interaction, technical meetings, etc. Self-motivated, dependable, and responsible person requiring little direct supervision Proven track record of managing large-scale engineering projects Excellent problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills Firm understanding of complex mathematical concepts Strong time management and analytical skills Excellent written/verbal communication skills Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. EEO Policy Statement: It is the policy of Element US Space & Defense to offer Equal Employment Opportunity to all individuals without regards to race, creed, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical disabilities, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V recruitingteam@elementdefense.com

Keywords: Element U.S. Space & Defense, Little Rock , Principal Project Engineer, Engineering , Camden, Arkansas