Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems 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 Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Advanced Technology and Concepts (ATC) organization within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) leads the Aerospace team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) executed with the Air Force and Space Force. The Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer supports Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) in its prototyping of high power spacecraft with photovoltaics and nuclear power sources by actively participating in the early phases of the spacecraft and payload lifecycle.

AFRL leads research and development for the Air Force and Space Force and develops prototypes and advanced technology demonstrators across the Department of War. This role will be the customer interface, providing assistance and oversight for technology development programs and mission development, systems engineering and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments/ prototypes both with the Space Force and with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Additionally, the Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer will source subject matter expertise from within the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group to solve the customer’s hardest problems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at one of our facilities in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, or Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Coordinate with members of a diverse team of military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies to enable national security mission concepts.
- Provide technical insight and consultation on industry support to government needs for space power needs such as solar and nuclear power and propulsion
- Lead a range of mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multi-disciplinary aerospace projects to inform key stakeholders and government customers.
- Identify critical technology elements and technology readiness of contractor proposed solutions to establish baseline for next generation spacecraft power systems.
- Leverage and utilize Aerospace Corporations technical support team by working with SMEs to utilize tools for analysis and trade studies, risk reduction strategies, architecture/systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs.
- Apply systems engineering best practices and project management expertise to assist the government in design/program reviews, development, test, mission assurance, technical subject matter expertise, and transition efforts.
- Participate in studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments across program lifecycles.
- Integrate and leverage all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.
- Collaborate and guide technical teams to ensure that program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff are effectively teamed to work closely with the customer.
- Identify exciting opportunities for adopting new technologies to solve existing needs and predict future challenges.
- Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer management and all levels of customer/contractor staff.

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering:

- Masters of Science in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (i.e. 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 working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders
- Experience with project management stage-gate reviews.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information
- Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) approximately once a month (as required)
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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

- Doctorate degree in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (i.e. nuclear, chemical or electrical engineering)

- Knowledge of Space Force acquisitions and experience interfacing with USAF/USSF/SAF leadership
- Experience performing research and increasing technology readiness level
- Experience reviewing, evaluating, and providing constructive feedback to support research performed by others
- Background in program office and management activities; experience directing matrixed technical support teams.
- Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
- Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs
- An active security clearance – TS/SCI and/or Q security clearance

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