Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•Albuquerque, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer supports the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate in prototyping high-power spacecraft using photovoltaic and nuclear power sources. The role participates in early spacecraft and payload lifecycle phases and serves as a customer interface, assisting and overseeing technology development programs, mission development, systems engineering, and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments and 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 is part of the Advanced Technology and Concepts organization within the Space Innovation Directorate, supporting AFRL research and development for the Air Force and Space Force. It requires full-time, on-site work at a company facility 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 selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for clearance eligibility.

Requirements

Master of Science degree in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power, such as nuclear, chemical, or electrical engineering.
At least 12 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.
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 and support customer needs occasionally, approximately once a month as required.
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.
Program office and management experience, including directing matrixed technical support teams.
Demonstrated success organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and produce quality deliverables.
Working knowledge of expertise across The Aerospace Corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations, and the 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 needs involving space power, 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 technology readiness of contractor-proposed solutions to establish a baseline for next-generation spacecraft power systems.
Engage Aerospace technical support teams and subject matter experts to apply analysis and trade studies, risk-reduction strategies, architecture and systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs.
Apply systems engineering best practices and project management expertise to assist the government with design and program reviews, development, testing, mission assurance, technical subject matter expertise, and transition efforts.
Participate in studies including systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and lifecycle risk assessments.
Integrate and leverage Aerospace Corporation capabilities in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, and Engineering and Technology Group matrix resources.
Collaborate with and guide technical teams so program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff work effectively with the customer.
Identify opportunities to adopt new technologies to address existing needs and anticipate future challenges.
Develop and maintain positive 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.