Project Engineer

About Overland AI: 

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is transforming land operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver combined capabilities for unit commanders. Our OverDrive autonomy stack enables ground vehicles to navigate and operate off-road in any terrain without GPS or direct operator control. Our intuitive OverWatch C2 interface provides commanders with precise coordination capabilities essential for mission success.  

Overland AI has secured $42M in funding, including a Series A led by 8VC, and built trusted partnerships with DARPA, the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national security by iterating closely with end users engaged in tactical operations.  

Role Summary: 

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Engineer to join the team at our unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for managing and coordinating engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring that all deliverables meet quality, timeline, and budget requirements. The Project Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, procurement, and quality control, to ensure smooth execution of projects related to product development, process improvements, facility upgrades, or new technology implementations. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with a proven track record of managing complex engineering projects in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Management:
   • Lead and manage the planning, execution, and completion of engineering projects related to autonomous off-road vehicle manufacturing, from initial concept through final delivery.
   • Develop detailed project plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and requirements.
   • Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the project, including technical design, procurement, production, testing, and deployment, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
   • Define project milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and track progress to ensure the project stays on schedule and meets all deliverables.
   • Manage risks, issues, and changes throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place and communicated to stakeholders.
2. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership:
   • Work closely with engineering, production, procurement, quality assurance, and logistics teams to ensure project goals are understood and that all teams are aligned throughout the project lifecycle.
   • Provide leadership to project teams, ensuring clear communication of goals, expectations, and timelines while fostering a collaborative environment.
   • Act as the primary point of contact between internal stakeholders, suppliers, and contractors, ensuring all project-related communications are timely and effective.
   • Facilitate regular project meetings, including status updates, issue resolution, and progress tracking, ensuring that all parties are kept informed of project developments.
   • Ensure that team members have the resources and support needed to complete their tasks effectively, and address any barriers to progress.
3. Budget & Resource Management:
   • Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and that costs are kept within agreed-upon limits.
   • Identify, track, and manage project expenses, ensuring that procurement activities remain within budget and that cost-saving measures are explored and implemented.
   • Optimize the use of resources (personnel, materials, and equipment) to achieve project goals efficiently while minimizing waste or downtime.
   • Work with procurement to source necessary materials, equipment, and external services, ensuring that all components are available for project execution in a timely manner.
4. Risk Management & Problem-Solving:
   • Proactively identify potential risks or obstacles to the successful completion of projects, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize their impact.
   • Address technical and logistical challenges during the project lifecycle, working with engineering and production teams to provide solutions that keep the project on track.
   • Ensure that project issues are resolved promptly and that potential risks are communicated to stakeholders, with appropriate solutions and contingency plans in place.
5. Quality Assurance & Compliance:
   • Ensure that all project deliverables meet the company’s high standards for quality, safety, and compliance with industry regulations.
   • Collaborate with the quality assurance team to define and implement project-specific quality control measures and testing procedures.
   • Oversee the successful implementation of any necessary regulatory or certification processes for the project, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and standards.
   • Monitor project deliverables to ensure they meet all quality standards and conduct final inspections or evaluations before project completion.
6. Documentation & Reporting:
   • Maintain thorough and up-to-date project documentation, including project plans, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and meeting minutes.
   • Prepare and deliver regular project status reports to senior management, including progress updates, risk assessments, and financial summaries.
   • Track key project metrics and performance indicators, providing data-driven insights to management to aid in decision-making.
   • Ensure all project documentation is properly archived for future reference and compliance purposes.
7. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:
   • Evaluate project performance upon completion, conducting post-project reviews to identify areas for improvement.
   • Implement lessons learned from each project to improve project management processes and ensure more efficient and effective execution of future projects.
   • Collaborate with engineering and production teams to propose and implement process improvements based on project outcomes, industry best practices, and technological advancements.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management or engineering in a manufacturing or automotive environment, with a focus on managing complex projects.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management qualifications preferred.
• Experience with autonomous vehicle technologies or off-road vehicle manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of managing projects within scope, schedule, and budget, with successful project delivery in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or similar tools) is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Project Management Expertise: Strong understanding of project management principles, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, managing people, processes, and expectations effectively.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and communicate effectively with project teams.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions quickly.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering design, and product development, especially in the context of autonomous or off-road vehicle manufacturing.
• Risk Management: Ability to anticipate potential risks and challenges, creating and executing strategies to mitigate them effectively.
• Quality Focus: A strong commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Time Management & Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and overcome obstacles with a positive, solution-oriented approach.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated and results-driven, with a strong focus on meeting deadlines and achieving project goals.
• Collaborative team player who is comfortable working with diverse teams in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Proactive, with a willingness to take ownership of projects and drive them to successful completion.
• Flexible and adaptable, capable of managing shifting priorities and project scopes in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• This role primarily involves working in an office environment but will also require time on the production floor to monitor project progress, address issues, and collaborate with the manufacturing team.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, vendors, or other facilities may be required.
• Must be comfortable working in a manufacturing environment where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

Location: Rainier Beach, Seattle

Benefits: 

Overland AI believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day.  

• The salary range for this position is $80K to $130K annually 
• Equity compensation 
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, and vision plans  
• Unlimited PTO 
• 401k with company match 
• Parental leave