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. This position will support the National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs providing system engineering and integration (SE&I), program management and digital engineering expertise to the program office location in Crystal City, VA. The NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Nuclear and Systems Engineering) will deliver specialized systems engineering program management and digital engineering talent essential to NNSA Office of Technology Maturation R&D mission success by developing and executing analytical studies supporting SE&I, program management and analysis, technology assessment activities requirements engineering, and risk management. This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with acquisition and modernization program staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA. 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
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other field of study coupled with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.
- Twelve years of experience in program management in the DoE/NNSA or other government agency.
- 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
- Ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner.
- Demonstrated teaming and leadership skills in tasks such as formulating plans, leading studies, and utilizing internal technology competency organizations.
- Demonstrated capability to perform analysis and lead technical product delivery
- Ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately one week per month
- Have a current and active TS or Q / SCI eligible clearance issued by the U.S. government.
- U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- Experience working in classified Nuclear Security Enterprise environments is highly valued
Nice To Haves
- An advanced degree in engineering, science, or related field of study, with demonstrated application to Nuclear Security Enterprise missions and challenges.
- Experience with Digital Engineering tool sets and/or analysis programs (e.g., Cameo, Unified Architecture Framework) applied to Nuclear Security Enterprise acquisition program management, design, and/or production activities.
- A formal degree or certification in systems engineering and/or project management, with proven application to Nuclear Security Enterprise programs or NNSA mission-critical projects.
- Experience in systems engineering, program controls and quality within the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including flow-down requirements, interface definition, resource loaded schedules, documentation repositories, change control processes, system performance analysis, programmatic risk management, cost/schedule/performance trades, and technology development investment analyses and assessments for nuclear weapons programs or supporting infrastructure.
- Experience in the analysis of complex technical, programmatic, and management environments for Nuclear Security Enterprise problem sets, large acquisition programs, or multi-site NNSA initiatives involving national laboratories, production facilities, and test sites.
- Knowledge of NNSA Defense Programs missions, including nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship, modernization programs, and the roles of Nuclear Security Enterprise sites and capabilities.
- Direct experience working at or closely with the national laboratories, understanding laboratory culture, capabilities, and operating models
Responsibilities
- Serve as a senior technical authority and consultant to NNSA leadership on systems 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
- Support NNSA’s Office of Engineering and Technology Maturation portfolio of programs that support NNSA weapons modernization programs and other NNSA offices with system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise.
- Conduct technical analysis of research and development (R&D) programs and supporting processes to enhance efficiencies, improve program oversight, identify improvement areas and develop technical solutions for resolution.
- Conduct systems studies and analyses to support decision-making on R&D projects and technology readiness assessments.
- 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
