NNSA Defense Programs Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s NNSA Programs Division within its Civil Systems Group is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer at the Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer level, with a focus on digital and systems engineering. The role provides technical leadership and 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 use knowledge of NNSA missions and the Nuclear Security Enterprise to conduct technical analyses, support or lead integrated project teams, and advise on complex systems engineering challenges. Work may include systems architecture, technology development planning, organizational effectiveness studies, risk assessments, and lifecycle acquisition program reviews. The position applies systems engineering across the nuclear weapons lifecycle and uses digital engineering knowledge to improve customer adoption of digital methodologies and tools. The role works closely with NNSA acquisition and modernization personnel and Aerospace technical and management staff, represents Aerospace to NNSA customers, and manages or supports multiple concurrent efforts. Senior-level employees additionally act as technical authorities and consultants to NNSA leadership and mentor junior staff. This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, Virginia, or Albuquerque, New Mexico. The role is expected to be onsite at least four days per week and requires occasional travel, 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 understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions.
- For the senior level, 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.
- Capability to perform technical analysis and contribute to high-quality technical products; senior-level candidates must be able to lead delivery of such products.
- For the senior level, strong project management and leadership skills, including leading cross-functional teams, formulating plans, managing schedules and deliverables, coordinating complex technical efforts, mentoring staff, and serving as a technical authority or consultant.
- 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.
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 laboratory culture, capabilities, and operating models.
- Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering 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 across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation.
- Develop solutions to improve acquisition program effectiveness and efficiency.
- Apply digital engineering knowledge 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, and manage concurrent efforts to deliver results on time and within scope.
- Represent 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 foster 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 benefits 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
