NNSA Defense Programs 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.

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.

The NNSA Programs Division within CSG is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Leader - Nuclear and Systems Engineering) to serve as a technical leader and advisor supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This position provides critical systems engineering and integration expertise to NNSA Defense Programs, supporting acquisition and modernization efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.

This is a full-time position based in Albuquerque, NM with an expectation of at least 4 days on-site per week. Occasional travel is required, up to approximately one week per month.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Provide expert systems engineering and integration (SE&I) support to NNSA weapons modernization programs through technical analyses including systems architecture, technology development planning, organizational effectiveness studies, risk assessments, and lifecycle acquisition program reviews to enhance efficiencies and support decision-making.
- Lead or participate in integrated project teams and task execution on an as-needed basis, leveraging Aerospace's engineering backplane to deliver high-quality technical solutions
- Apply systems engineering principles across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation, while developing solutions that improve acquisition program effectiveness and efficiency
- 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
- Demonstrate project management skills in formulating plans, leading or supporting studies, coordinating across organizational boundaries, and managing multiple concurrent efforts while delivering results on time and within scope
- Represent Aerospace Corporation to NNSA customers, building trusted relationships and demonstrating technical credibility

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

Minimum Requirements:

- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other science/technology field of study coupled with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.
- At least 8 years of increasingly responsible professional engineering/scientific experience, working independently with both internal and external customers and with technical support, as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader.
- Experience leading or organizing technical efforts or project teams.
- Ability to independently service several project segments and/or smaller program/project efforts.
- Exhibit high level of innovation, creativeness, and initiative and the ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner.
- Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.

- Knowledge of NNSA Defense Programs missions. Familiarity with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including NNSA and its national laboratories, production plants, and sites.

- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers
- This position requires a current and active DOE (L or Q) or DOD Top Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. 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:

- Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, program management or related technical field
- Extensive knowledge of specific NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives, including supporting rapid capability deployments or programs, the Phase X process and/or the Defense Programs Business Process System (DPBPS)
- Direct experience working at or closely with the national laboratories, understanding laboratory culture, capabilities, and operating models
- Experience in systems engineering, program/project 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 in the analysis of complex technical, programmatic, and management environments at a high programmatic level.
- Hands-on experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) standards, frameworks, and tools, including Systems Modeling Language (SysML), Unified Architecture Framework (UAF), Cameo Systems Modeler, Genesys, or Sparx Enterprise Architect
- Demonstrates enterprise-level perspective with prior Program Office(s) and ETG experience

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)
$120,800.00 - $181,100.00

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:

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Comprehensive health care and wellness plans