NNSA Defense Programs Project Engineer

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 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), while extending our capabilities to other civilian federal government agencies fully integrated within Aerospace rules, regulations, processes, values, and behaviors.  

As an NNSA Defense Programs Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering), you will be serving as senior technical authority, consultant, and team leader supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs, through system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise.  The candidate will develop, lead, and execute studies and programs such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, systems acquisition, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments.  This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with program development and program execution staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA.  

This position is based in Albuquerque, NM, and will require the candidate to be on-site, either at the customer location or the Aerospace offices, 4-5 days per week.  The candidate may also be expected to travel to NNSA, Aerospace Corporation, and other locations approximately 1 week per month as mission requirements dictate. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead the definition and implementation planning for developing and acquiring mission capabilities within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) enterprise through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success. 
• Utilize a systems engineering framework that uses risk management and independent assessment as cornerstones. 
• Lead support activities to the NNSA Office of Systems Engineering and Integration, NNSA Office of Secure Transportation, and other NNSA offices with system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise. 
• Lead systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of projects. 
• Lead studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments. 
• Lead collaborations with program development and program execution staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA. 
• Lead task execution and integration of technical analyses into high quality, unified final products. 
• Represent the Aerospace Corporation to senior level customers. 
• May participate in new business and / or technical planning efforts.  May bring in tasks and projects beyond personal activities from internal and external sources. 

What You Need to be Successful- Senior Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering 

Minimum Requirements for: 

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other field of study and / or equivalent experience in technical operations and / or management of advanced technology national security systems. 
• Ten years of experience in system acquisition activities; the application of system engineering, risk management, quality, and management principles to achieve success in the design, development, test, deployment, and operations process; and identifying and mitigating design, production, test, and field support deficiencies that threaten mission success. 
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Exhibit a high level of initiative, innovation, and creativeness and the 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 ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. 
• Demonstrated capability to perform analysis and lead technical product delivery 
• Ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately one week per month 
• This position requires a current Top Secret or Q clearance (SCI Eligible), which is issued by the US government.  US citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance. 

How You Can Stand Out 

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: 

• An advanced degree in engineering, science, or a related field of study. 
• A formal degree or certification in systems engineering and / or project management. 
• Experience in systems engineering, program controls, and quality, including tasks such as requirements flow-down; interface definition; resource loaded schedules; documentation repositories; change control processes; system performance analysis; programmatic risk management; cost, schedule and performance trades; and technology development investment analyses. 
• Experience interacting with customer personnel on a variety of technical, programmatic, and administrative issues. 
• Experience in the analysis of complex technical, programmatic, and management environments at a high programmatic level. 
• Experience in working assignments that are inherently ambiguous, e.g., not fully defined, lacking complete information, and / or exhibiting poorly stated goals or ill-defined objectives. 
• Knowledge of NNSA Defense Programs missions and capabilities. 
• Knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities. 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• 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

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.