NNSA Defense Programs Senior Project 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. Building on The Aerospace Corporation's reputation as a trusted, impartial advisor with integrity and dedication to mission success, 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 (Senior Project Engineer- Digital and Systems Engineering) to serve as a senior 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. As a Senior Project Engineer, you will leverage your deep understanding of NNSA missions and the Nuclear Security Enterprise to deliver expert technical analysis, lead integrated project teams, and provide strategic guidance on complex systems engineering challenges. You will serve as a senior technical authority, mentor junior staff, and work directly with NNSA leadership to enhance program effectiveness and mission success. This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA with an expectation of at least 4 days onsite per week. Occasional travel is required, up to approximately one week per month.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field from an accredited university
- Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated 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 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 lead 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
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, or related technical field
- Extensive knowledge of specific NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives
- 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
- Proficiency with Python for engineering analysis, automation, or tool development; familiarity with MBSE tools (Cameo Systems Modeler), project collaboration tools (JIRA, Confluence), requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama Connect), and systems integration tools (Syndeia)
- Familiarity with Aerospace Corporation's Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills, capabilities, and organizational structure
Responsibilities
- Serve as a senior technical authority and consultant to NNSA leadership on systems engineering, digital engineering, and integration matters
- Lead integrated project teams and task execution on an as-needed basis, leveraging Aerospace's engineering backplane to deliver high-quality technical solutions
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence
- Represent Aerospace Corporation to senior-level NNSA customers, building trusted relationships and demonstrating technical credibility
- 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
- 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
- Apply digital engineering knowledge and acumen to implement digital solutions to improve customer adoption and use of digital engineering methodologies and tools
- Demonstrate strong project management skills in formulating plans, leading studies, coordinating across organizational boundaries, and managing multiple concurrent efforts while delivering results on time and within scope
- 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
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
Senior
