Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

2d•$151,300 - $226,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer supports the Space Vehicles Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory in prototyping high-power spacecraft with photovoltaic and nuclear power sources. The role participates in early spacecraft and payload lifecycle activities and serves as a customer interface, providing assistance and oversight for technology development programs, mission development, systems engineering, and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments or prototypes with the Space Force and Air Force Research Laboratory. The engineer also sources subject matter expertise from across The Aerospace Corporation to address customer challenges. The position involves coordinating diverse government, military, contractor, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and SETA teams to mature space power and propulsion technologies for national security missions. It provides technical insight and consultation on industry support for government space power needs, leads technical specialists on multidisciplinary projects, and assesses technology readiness and contractor solutions for next-generation spacecraft power systems. The engineer applies systems engineering and project management expertise across design and program reviews, development, testing, mission assurance, and transition efforts, and contributes to architecture analyses, technology planning, organizational studies, and risk assessments. The selected candidate must work full-time, on-site at one of the company’s facilities in El Segundo, California; Chantilly, Virginia; Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico; or Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. Occasional domestic travel, approximately once a month as required, is expected. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain one.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in a technical field related to the generation and/or conversion of space power, such as nuclear, chemical, or electrical engineering.
12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience working across government programs.
Strong technical background in space-based power systems.
Space system technical background and program experience across the mission lifecycle of a space system.
Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and establishing and maintaining trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders.
Experience with project management stage-gate reviews.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience presenting and writing technical information.
Willingness to travel domestically occasionally, approximately once a month as required, and support customer needs.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate degree in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power, such as nuclear, chemical, or electrical engineering.
Knowledge of Space Force acquisitions and experience interfacing with USAF, USSF, or SAF leadership.
Experience performing research and increasing technology readiness levels.
Experience reviewing, evaluating, and providing constructive feedback on research performed by others.
Background in program office and management activities, including experience directing matrixed technical support teams.
Demonstrated success organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and produce quality work.
Working knowledge of expertise across The Aerospace Corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations, and ability to support customer needs.
Active TS/SCI and/or Q security clearance.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies for national security mission concepts.
Provide technical insight and consultation on industry support for government space power needs, including solar and nuclear power and propulsion.
Lead mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multidisciplinary aerospace projects to inform stakeholders and government customers.
Identify critical technology elements and assess the readiness of contractor-proposed solutions for next-generation spacecraft power systems.
Leverage Aerospace technical support and subject matter experts for analysis, trade studies, risk reduction, architecture and systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs.
Apply systems engineering and project management practices to assist the government with design and program reviews, development, testing, mission assurance, technical expertise, and transition efforts.
Participate in systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and lifecycle risk assessments.
Integrate and leverage Aerospace capabilities in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, and ETG matrix collaboration.
Collaborate with and guide technical teams to ensure program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff work effectively with the customer.
Identify opportunities to adopt new technologies to address current needs and anticipate future challenges.
Develop positive, lasting working relationships with customer management and customer and contractor staff at all levels.

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 of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus 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.