NNSA Defense Programs Senior 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 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. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• 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 

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

Minimum 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 

How You Can Stand Out

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

• 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 

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.