Lead Principal Engineer

SAE International

Lead Principal Engineer Specialist at SAE facilitating aviation standards through technical management and collaboration. Recruiting and mentoring volunteers while driving continuous improvement initiatives in a hybrid work environment.

Posted 4/18/2026full-timeBowie • Maryland • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides general technical, engineering management, and specialized subject matter expertise to the standards and technical report development process
Manages multiple subcommittees, working groups, and/or user forum projects developing applicable industry guidance, standards and technical reports
Activities include the development, management and marketing of standards & technical reports, qualification/certification programs, referee materials
Supports implementation of company strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
Provides strategic operational, technical, engineering management, and administrative services that support the technical and leadership/ executive committees
Uses industry-recognized engineering expertise and experience to coordinate the overall technical programs for applicable areas of responsibility
Applies industry-recognized subject matter engineering expertise, project management and product development experience
Supports industry through demonstrated ability to influence task groups to achieve industry desired outcomes
Leads project engineering management for working groups, and/or user forums as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Engineering, Aerospace, Computer Science/IT, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical field
Experienced program and committee leader with 10+ years managing cross-functional initiatives, stakeholder groups, confidential deliverables, executive communications, process improvement, and governance support
Skilled in facilitating working groups, producing formal reports, coordinating complex timelines, and driving consensus across diverse audiences
Five years of experience managing volunteer committees including the recruitment, retention, and management of volunteers
Five years’ experience leading a substantial program and/or initiative
In-depth Technical/engineering expertise with experience in the areas of responsibility for position
Strong interpersonal and communications skills along with excellent analytical, writing and editing and presentation skills
Ability to organize effectively, carry out independent action, work on simultaneous assignments, and perform functions of a confidential manner
Strong project management skills and proficient with planning software and tools
Global and cultural sensitivities
Attention to detail
Strong team development, collaboration and problem-solving skills
Understanding of trade association operations
Strong leadership skills developing and achieving organizational long- and short-range business plans and goals
Ability to work with high-level executives, industry (commercial, government, military, academic) leaders.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional growth opportunities
Satisfaction of driving continuous improvement across aviation
Recruitment and mentoring of talented industry volunteers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

engineering managementproject managementtechnical report developmentprogram managementprocess improvementqualification programsproduct developmentstandards developmentcommittee leadershipstakeholder management

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscommunication skillsanalytical skillswriting skillsediting skillspresentation skillsorganizational skillsproblem-solving skillscollaboration skillsleadership skills