Project Engineer - Combustion Engines

Baker Engineering, LLC’s (BE) core business centers around the design and development of high-tech, high-performance technologies for a variety of applications, from custom military and commercial engines, integrated powertrains and hybrid power solutions, to engine components, to the production of parts and mechanical assemblies for other industries. BE is a division of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC that is wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a Federally recognized Indian Tribe. POSITION SUMMARY The Project Engineer will lead technical execution across the full project lifecycle — from concept and design through prototyping, testing, and delivery — while coordinating closely with engineering, test lab, manufacturing, and program management teams to meet customer and government contract requirements. This role requires managing project schedules, budgets, and technical deliverables for propulsion and power systems programs, often involving internal combustion engines, electrification, and hybrid-electric integration work. The Project Engineer will support design reviews, technical documentation, and test planning/execution, and will serve as a primary technical liaison with government and commercial customers on program status, risk, and deliverables. Given the defense/aerospace focus, candidates should be comfortable working within structured program management frameworks and, where applicable, handling controlled or export-restricted technical data in accordance with ITAR/EAR requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong engine & propulsion engineering fundamentals with the organizational skills to keep multi-disciplinary programs on track, and thrives in a hands-on, innovation-focused environment where designs move quickly from the lab to real-world flight and field testing ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Own the technical scope, design intent, and configuration of assigned power and propulsion systems from concept through production release. Plan and direct engineering analysis (thermal, structural, electrical, performance) and test programs needed to validate designs against requirements. Lead and participate in design reviews, ensuring findings are tracked, assigned, and closed. Coordinate with manufacturing engineering, quality, and suppliers to ensure designs are producible, testable, and deliverable on schedule. Identify, track, and drive resolution of technical risks and open issues throughout the program lifecycle. Interpret and apply customer and program requirements to engineering decisions, and communicate technical status, risks, and trade-offs to program management and customers. Support root-cause investigations for test anomalies, field issues, or non-conformances, and drive corrective actions to closure. Maintain accurate technical documentation, including design records, analysis reports, and change history, in compliance with company and customer requirements. Support cost estimating, scheduling, and technical proposal development for new or follow-on program work. Other duties as requested by management MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline. Demonstrated experience designing and developing internal combustion engines and accessories. Demonstrated experience managing technical scope, schedule, and risk on an engineering development program. Working knowledge of engineering analysis methods (thermal, structural, or performance) and their application to hardware design decisions. Experience working directly with manufacturing, quality, and supplier organizations to resolve producibility and technical issues. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical status to internal and customer stakeholders. Proficiency with standard MS Office / project tracking software. Mechanically inclined Knowledge of hand tools Critical thinking skills Attention to detail US Citizen/ ITAR compliant PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience with internal combustion engine controls systems & calibration. Experience with power generation, hybrid and high voltage EV, propulsion, or drivetrain systems in an industrial, defense, marine, or automotive setting. Engine test laboratory experience (instrumentation, set-up and operation) Proficient using PTC Creo software or other CAD and PLM tools Experience with design for manufacturing PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Lift up to 50lb rarely Stand/walk up to 8 hours per day Bend occasionally Reach/work above shoulders occasionally Twist rarely Fine manipulations frequently to occasionally Gross manipulation frequently to occasionally Push/pull frequently to occasionally Sit a desk workstation for up to 8 hours per day WORK ENVIRONMENT Office environment Climate controlled shop TRAVEL This position may require travel up to 10% of the time POSITION TYPE This is a full-time, exempt position RELOCATION Relocation expenses can be discussed during the interview process DISCLAIMER This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.