NNSA Defense Programs Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Civil Systems Group is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer at the Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer level in Digital and Systems Engineering. The role provides systems engineering and integration expertise to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), supporting acquisition and modernization efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise. The engineer will apply knowledge of NNSA missions and the Nuclear Security Enterprise to conduct technical analyses, support or lead integrated project teams, and address complex systems engineering challenges. Senior-level candidates will also serve as technical authorities and advisors to NNSA leadership, mentor junior staff, and help improve program effectiveness and mission success. 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, approximately one week per month.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related technical field from an accredited university.
- For Project Engineer: eight years of progressive experience in systems engineering, digital 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, digital engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems.
- Familiarity with Python for engineering analysis, automation, or tool development; MBSE tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler; collaboration tools such as JIRA and Confluence; requirements management tools such as DOORS and Jama Connect; and systems integration tools such as Syndeia.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to senior leaders, technical staff, and program managers.
- Ability to perform technical analysis and contribute to high-quality technical products; senior candidates must be able to lead delivery of such products.
- 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.
- Ability to travel occasionally, 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.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, or a related technical field.
- Extensive knowledge of NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives.
- Direct experience working at or closely with national laboratories and understanding their culture, capabilities, and operating models.
- Hands-on experience with MBSE standards, frameworks, and tools, including SysML, UAF, Cameo Systems Modeler, Genesys, or Sparx Enterprise Architect.
- High proficiency with Python for engineering analysis, automation, or tool development, and familiarity with Cameo Systems Modeler, JIRA, Confluence, DOORS, Jama Connect, and 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 analyses of systems architecture, technology development planning, organizational effectiveness, risk, 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 across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation.
- Apply digital engineering expertise to implement digital solutions and improve customer adoption and use of digital engineering methods 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, manage concurrent efforts, and deliver work on time and within scope.
- Represent Aerospace to NNSA customers, building trusted relationships and demonstrating technical credibility.
- At the senior level, advise NNSA leadership on systems engineering, digital engineering, and integration matters; mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
