NNSA Defense Programs Engineer
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Civil Systems Group (CSG) combines deep technical expertise with market-leading innovation to help our customers solve complex systems engineering and integration challenges. CSG is organized by core customer-facing lines of business to manage and grow programs within NASA, NOAA, and the NNSA, while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors. The NNSA Programs Division within CSG is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering) to serve as a technical leader and advisor supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This position provides critical systems engineering and integration expertise to NNSA Defense Programs, supporting acquisition and modernization efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.
Requirements
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other science/technology field of study coupled with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.
- Eight (8) 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; understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills with ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including senior leadership, technical staff, and program managers
- Demonstrated capability to perform technical analysis and contribute to delivery of high-quality technical 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.
- Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.
- Demonstrated familiarity and experience working with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including NNSA and its national laboratories, production plants, and sites; understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions and the unique challenges of the nuclear weapons complex
- Strong project management and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, formulate plans, manage schedules and deliverables, coordinate complex technical efforts, mentor staff, and serve as a technical authority or consultant
- Demonstrated capability to perform technical analysis and lead delivery of high-quality technical products
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, program management or related technical field
- Extensive knowledge of specific NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives, including supporting rapid capability deployments or programs, the Phase X process and/or the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS)
- Direct experience working at or closely with the national laboratories, understanding laboratory culture, capabilities, and operating models
- Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) standards, frameworks, and tools, including Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), Cameo Systems Modeler, Genesys, or Sparx Enterprise Architect
- Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience
Responsibilities
- Provide expert systems engineering and integration (SE&I) 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 to enhance efficiencies and support decision-making.
- Lead or participate in integrated project teams and task execution on an as-needed basis, leveraging Aerospace's engineering backplane to deliver high-quality technical solutions
- Apply systems engineering principles across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation, while developing solutions that improve acquisition program effectiveness and efficiency
- Work collaboratively with NNSA acquisition and modernization program staff, coordinating interfaces between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff to fully leverage the Corporation's capabilities
- Demonstrate project management skills in formulating plans, leading or supporting studies, coordinating across organizational boundaries, and managing multiple concurrent efforts while delivering results on time and within scope
- Represent Aerospace Corporation to NNSA customers, building trusted relationships and demonstrating technical credibility
- For Senior-level: Serve as a senior technical authority and consultant to NNSA leadership on systems engineering and integration matters; provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, fostering 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 — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An 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
