NNSA Defense Programs Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • Albuquerque, VA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation’s Civil Systems Group (CSG) is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer at the Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer level to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The role provides systems engineering and integration expertise for NNSA Defense Programs, including acquisition and modernization efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise. The engineer applies knowledge of NNSA missions and the enterprise to conduct technical analyses, support or lead integrated project teams, and advise on complex systems engineering challenges. Senior-level candidates act as technical authorities and advisors to NNSA leadership and mentor junior staff.

This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, Virginia, or Albuquerque, New Mexico, with an expectation of at least four days onsite per week. Occasional travel is required, up to approximately one week per month.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field from an accredited university.
• For Project Engineer: six years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems.
• For Senior Project/Systems Engineer: ten years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems.
• Familiarity with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including NNSA and its national laboratories, production plants, and sites, and an understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions.
• For senior candidates: demonstrated familiarity and experience working with the Nuclear Security Enterprise and understanding of the unique challenges of the nuclear weapons complex.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to senior leaders, technical staff, and program managers.
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical analysis and contribute to high-quality technical products; senior candidates must be able to lead delivery of such products.
• Ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately one week per month.
• Active Top Secret or Q Clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to maintain a security clearance.
• For senior candidates: strong project management and leadership skills, including leading cross-functional teams, planning, managing schedules and deliverables, coordinating complex technical efforts, mentoring staff, and serving as a technical authority or consultant.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
• Extensive knowledge of specific NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives.
• Direct experience working at or closely with national laboratories, including understanding their culture, capabilities, and operating models.
• Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) standards, frameworks, and tools, including SysML, UAF, Cameo Systems Modeler, Genesys, or Sparx Enterprise Architect.
• Proficiency with Python for engineering analysis, automation, or tool development.
• Familiarity with MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler; project collaboration tools such as JIRA and Confluence; requirements management tools such as DOORS and Jama Connect; and systems integration tools such as Syndeia.
• Enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide systems engineering and integration support to NNSA weapons modernization programs through technical analyses, including systems architecture, technology development planning, organizational effectiveness studies, risk assessments, and lifecycle acquisition program reviews.
• Lead or participate in integrated project teams and task execution, using Aerospace’s engineering capabilities to deliver technical solutions.
• Apply systems engineering principles across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation.
• Apply digital engineering knowledge to implement solutions that improve customer adoption and use of digital engineering methodologies and tools.
• Collaborate with NNSA acquisition and modernization program staff and coordinate interfaces between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff.
• Formulate plans, lead or support studies, coordinate across organizational boundaries, and manage concurrent efforts to deliver results on time and within scope.
• Represent The Aerospace Corporation to NNSA customers, building trusted relationships and demonstrating technical credibility.
• At the senior level, serve as a technical authority and consultant to NNSA leadership on systems engineering, digital engineering, and integration matters.
• At the senior level, mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance to support professional growth and technical excellence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level