ND Defense is seeking an Engineering Program Lead to oversee the full-lifecycle management of military and government vehicle programs. This role drives the planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense vehicle systems—including tactical wheeled vehicles, armored platforms, and ground mobility solutions—in compliance with U.S. government acquisition regulations and contractual requirements.
The Engineering Program Lead serves as the primary leader for program technical planning and execution and representing ND Defense program technical direction to government customers (DoD, Army, Marine Corps, DLA), and prime contractor partners. The role requires a combination of systems engineering expertise, program management discipline, defense acquisition knowledge, and a forward-looking ability to leverage AI and agentic technologies to optimize engineering workflows and program execution.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Systems Engineering & Technical Oversight
Provide systems engineering leadership across vehicle subsystems including drivetrain, suspension, armor/protection, electrical/electronic architecture, C4ISR integration, and survivability.Oversee requirements management, ensuring traceability from customer requirements through design, verification, and validation.Lead product and configuration definition of COTS and adapted vehicle/mission systems; review and approve drawings, specifications, trade studies, test plans, and qualification reports.Drive failure analysis and corrective action processes (FMEAs, 8D reports, corrective action plans).Support proposal development including BOE generation, technical volumes, and risk analyses.Program Leadership & Execution
Lead end-to-end technical program execution for military ground vehicle development and production contracts across wheeled vehicle platforms.Partner with Program Management to develop, maintain, and execute Program Management Plans (PMP) aligned with contractual milestones and government CDRLs.Drive and oversee the Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for programs.Manage program budgets, cost-at-completion forecasts, variance reporting, and team member task execution.Coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, test & evaluation, and quality assurance to ensure on-time program delivery.Chair or support program reviews including PDRs, CDRs, TRRs, and milestone decision briefings.Government & Customer Interface
Serve as the primary technical POC for government PMOs, Contracting Officers, and CORs, interfacing with agencies such as U.S. Army TACOM, GVSC, AMC, and NAVFAC.Manage relationships with prime contractors and respond to RFIs, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and Program Review packages.Ensure compliance with all contract requirements, SOW deliverables, quality clauses, and applicable military standards (MIL-SPEC, MIL-STD).AI & Process Optimization
Identify and implement opportunities to apply AI and agentic technologies to streamline engineering processes, automate routine program management tasks, and improve decision-making efficiency.Stay current on emerging AI tools and methodologies relevant to defense engineering and program execution, and champion their adoption where appropriate.Risk, Compliance & Reporting
Maintain program Risk & Opportunity registers and develop risk mitigation plans.Ensure full compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, and other government acquisition and export control regulations.Prepare and deliver program status reports, metrics dashboards, and executive briefings.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in defense or automotive program/engineering management, preferably supporting U.S. government vehicle or ground systems programs.Demonstrated experience applying AI or agentic technologies to optimize or automate engineering processes or program management workflows.Proficiency with program management tools (MS Project, JIRA, Deltek Costpoint, or equivalent EVM software).PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience managing military and government vehicle programs through full acquisition lifecycle.Knowledge of applicable military standards (MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-461, MIL-DTL-901, STANAG 4569, AV9660, etc.).PMP certification or DAU Program Management certification (Level II or III).Knowledge of low- and high-voltage electrical systems, hybrid drive systems, drive-by-wire, and autonomy.WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in office and manufacturing/production floor environments; PPE required in production areas.Travel up to 15%, including on short notice, to manufacturing facilities, government meetings, and proving grounds.Must be physically capable of working around military vehicles and accessing vehicle crew stations.ND Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Veteran/Disabled
Read LessThe Engineering Manager — Electrification helps to establish and lead ND Defense’s high voltage electrification engineering team, driving the design, development, integration, and validation of electric powertrain systems, battery storage systems, and high voltage architectures for defense ground vehicles and Electric Ground Mobility (EGM) platforms. This role owns the technical direction for electrification programs from concept through production, ensuring designs meet stringent defense performance, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in high voltage systems engineering with proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering teams. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires the ability to lead technical executions, mentor and grow engineers, and a forward-looking propensity to leverage AI and agentic technologies to optimize engineering workflows and program execution.
Essential FunctionsTechnical LeadershipLead the design and development of high voltage electrical systems (400V–800V+ DC) for defense ground vehicle platforms, including battery systems, power distribution, motor drives, inverters, DC-DC converters, exportable power, and charging infrastructure.Define high voltage architecture, system schematics, wire harness routing, and component specifications in compliance with MIL-STD requirements and applicable SAE standards.Own the technical review process for electrification programs, including design reviews (PDR, CDR), DFMEA, and design validation test planning.Establish and enforce high voltage safety protocols aligned with SAE J1766, ISO 6469, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC), and applicable NAVSEA or Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) requirements.Drive resolution of complex electrical integration challenges across mechanical, thermal, software, and vehicle systems engineering disciplines.People LeadershipManage, mentor, and develop a team of electrical, systems, and integration engineers focused on electrification programs.Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and build individual development plans aligned with organizational growth.Lead hiring efforts to build high voltage engineering capability, including identifying talent gaps and developing staffing plans.Foster a collaborative, high-accountability engineering culture grounded in technical rigor and continuous improvement.Program ExecutionPartner with program management to define scope, schedule, cost, and technical milestones for electrification programs.Coordinate cross-functional teams (mechanical, thermal, software, manufacturing, quality) to deliver integrated electrification solutions on time and within budget.Serve as the primary technical point of contact for customer engagements on electrification programs, including design presentations, technical interchange meetings, and proposal support.Support business development and capture efforts by contributing to technical proposals, white papers, and technology roadmaps for high voltage electrification capabilities.Standards, Compliance, and Continuous ImprovementEnsure all electrification designs comply with applicable military standards, customer specifications, and ND Defense’s AS9100-based QMS.Stay current on emerging electrification technologies, battery chemistries, power electronics, and defense-sector EGM trends (e.g., Army Modernization Priorities, GVSC electrification roadmap).Drive lessons-learned processes and design standardization across electrification programs to improve reuse, reduce cost, and accelerate delivery.AI & Process Optimization
Identify and implement opportunities to apply AI and agentic technologies to streamline engineering processes, automate routine program management tasks, and improve decision-making efficiency.Stay current on emerging AI tools and methodologies relevant to defense engineering and program execution, and champion their adoption where appropriate.ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. ND Defense reserves the right to modify this description at any time. All duties are subject to reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Read LessND Defense designs, builds, and manufactures an array of military and commercial products including tactical wheeled vehicles, heavy trucks, and products for multiple other verticals. As our Driveline System Engineer, you will work on a wide variety of vehicles across multiple programs.
No two weeks look the same here. You will carry several programs at once, and the engineers who do well in this role are the ones who can reprioritize on the fly without losing track of anything.
What You'll Do
Specify, integrate, and package drivelines, including electric and hybrid drive content, across both platform conversions and new-vehicle programs.Manage multiple driveline programs and supplier relationships at once, adjusting course as priorities move.Apply creative problem-solving to torsional, packaging, and durability challenges that do not come with a textbook answer.Help shape driveline engineering processes and documentation as ND Defense's standards continue to mature; comfort with work that is still being built is an asset here.Get hands-on during prototype builds and on-vehicle validation, troubleshooting fit and assembly issues on the shop floor in real time.Bring curiosity for AI tools and automation to speed up analysis, documentation, and decision-making.You'll Thrive Here If You...
Like carrying a wide variety of driveline and chassis projects at once, and can pivot quickly when priorities shift.Enjoy creative problem-solving and look forward to a tough packaging or durability challenge rather than around it.Take initiative, stay driven, and adapt well to a fast-paced, demanding pace of work.Are comfortable working within processes and standards that are still being built or refined, and want to help shape them rather than wait for them to be finished.Are okay with some unknowns and ambiguity, and would rather be part of finding the solution than have every answer handed to you.Get excited about AI tools and look for cutting-edge ways to use them to work smarter.Bring a positive, team-oriented attitude to the table, even when the day gets demanding.What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.3+ years of experience in driveline, powertrain, or vehicle chassis systems engineering in automotive, defense, or heavy vehicle sectors.Comfortable reviewing and interpreting 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, CATIA) to support fast, sound engineering decisions.Working knowledge of driveline components and their selection (transmissions, driveshafts, transfer cases, axles, wheel ends, and tires) is a plus.Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter; not required on day one, but it will make you stand out.Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).
ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability
Read LessND Defense designs, builds, and manufactures an array of military and commercial products including tactical wheeled vehicles, heavy trucks, and products for multiple other verticals. As our Steering System Engineer, you will work on a wide variety of vehicles across multiple programs.
This is a role for someone who is energized by variety rather than worn down by it. Priorities shift, programs compete for attention, and the ability to pivot without losing momentum on the projects already underway is what makes this job work.
What You'll Do
Design, integrate, and validate steering systems across drive-by-wire conversions and new-vehicle programs, from EPS and hydraulic assist to steer-by-wire actuation.Balance multiple steering programs and competing priorities at once, adjusting focus as the business needs shift.Solve handling, durability, and integration challenges creatively; there is not always a precedent to follow.Help build out steering engineering processes and standards that are still taking shape; this is a role for someone energized by figuring it out, not frustrated by it.Support prototype builds and on-vehicle validation, including hands-on troubleshooting on the shop floor.Bring enthusiasm for AI tools and automation to streamline analysis and documentation.You'll Thrive Here If You...
Like carrying a wide variety of steering and chassis projects at once, and can pivot quickly when priorities shift.Enjoy creative problem-solving and look forward to a tough handling or integration challenge rather than around it.Are driven, flexible, and adapt well to a fast-paced, demanding pace of work.Are comfortable working within processes and standards that are still being built or refined, and want to help shape them rather than wait for them to be finished.Are okay with some unknowns and ambiguity, and would rather be part of finding the solution than have every answer handed to you.Get excited about AI tools and look for cutting-edge ways to use them to work smarter.Bring a positive, team-oriented attitude to the table, even when the day gets demanding.What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline.3+ years of experience in steering system design or vehicle chassis/suspension engineering.Working knowledge of steering system principles: hydraulic assist, EPS, column design, and steering geometry.Comfortable reviewing and interpreting 3D CAD models, assemblies, and drawings (e.g., Creo, NX, CATIA) to support fast, sound engineering decisions.Genuine interest in using AI tools to work smarter; not required on day one, but it will make you stand out.Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62): a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by 22 CFR §120.62 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).
ND Defense LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, natio
Read LessThe Government Procurement Compliance Analyst ensures ND Defense’s procurement and import/export activities meet all applicable regulatory requirements, including FAR/DFARS and ITAR. The role demands more than documentation — it requires cross-functional influence, sound judgment, and the ability to guide purchasing team toward compliant practices through training and collaboration.
We are looking for someone who brings genuine curiosity, a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, and comfort working alongside agentic AI tools. The regulatory environment is dynamic; candidates who stay ahead of it and thrive in ambiguity will stand out.
Responsibilities:
Support and interact with an Agentic AI compliance system, automating a significant portion of the standard workResponsible for layer of approval for all purchasing POs, verifying critical data/requirements are met Conduct quarterly internal audits, consolidate and report findings to leadership.Support external audits. Often acting as main point of contact.Ensure supplier sourcing documentation is in compliance with Government contract though internal reviews of procurement activitiesMaintain ND Defense’s standard FAR/DFARS T&Cs/flow down templates to ensure mandatory clauses are incorporated into all applicable subcontracts and purchase ordersMaintain accurate supplier records, including certifications, representations, and NDAsMaintain and ensure internal purchasing procedures align with DFARS 252.244-7001 Contractor Purchasing System Administration requirementsMonitor updates to regulations and implement necessary internal changes as directed Assist with Small Business spend reporting, supplier Small Business outreachinitiatives, and validation of small business status
Compile various monthly and quarterly reportsAssist the purchasing and sales teams in ensuring import/export compliance with applicable regulationsEngage with brokers and legal counsel as required to resolve import/export compliance mattersParticipate in a continuous training program on contract and trade compliance to maintain current regulatory knowledgeDeliver contract and trade compliance training to the purchasing and sales teams to drive process efficiencyProvide ad hoc support for business opportunities requiring curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and resourcefulnessOther duties as assignedQualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and 3-5 years of progressive experience in government contracting procurement, subcontracts, or purchasing compliance in a DoD contractor environment Candidates who show a track record of self-directed learning and intellectual curiosity will stand outCross-functional & peer influence without direct authorityDemonstrated hands-on experience with supporting CPSR audits — either as a contractor preparing for CPSR or as a DCMA auditor; must be able to speak fluently to CPSR evaluation criteria.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)Strong data management, reporting, and spreadsheet skills (including advanced Excel functions)Familiarity with Agentic AI. Will be integral to role.Knowledge of FARS, DFARS, ITAR strongly preferredUS PersonEqual Opportunity Employer, Disability/Veteran
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