SE&1 Technical Leader

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 Civil Systems Group (CSG) seeks a focused SE&I Technical Leader (Senior Project Engineer/ Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering) to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs through systems engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise. This role requires someone who can work closely with senior NNSA leadership to identify complex technical and programmatic challenges, rapidly assemble the right team of experts to address them, and drive execution from problem definition through solution delivery. You'll serve as the primary interface between NNSA customers and Aerospace's deep technical capabilities, ensuring we bring the right expertise to bear at the right time.

This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA; offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

Customer Engagement & Problem Identification

• Partner with NNSA leadership at the Deputy Administrator level to identify, scope, and prioritize technical and programmatic challenges requiring Aerospace support
• Conduct consultative engagements with senior stakeholders across NNSA, DOE national laboratories, Department of Defense, and Department of State to diagnose customer needs and define problem statements
• Translate complex, often ambiguous customer challenges into actionable technical and programmatic initiatives
• Maintain strategic focus on highest-priority mission needs while managing multiple concurrent customer relationships

Team Leadership & Execution

• Rapidly assemble and lead cross-functional teams of Aerospace subject matter experts to address specific customer challenges, leveraging resources across Arlington VA, Chantilly VA, Albuquerque NM, El Segundo CA, and remote locations
• Drive team execution from problem identification through solution delivery, ensuring quality, timeliness, and mission impact
• Lead task planning, resource allocation, and work integration to produce unified, high-quality technical products
• Maintain momentum and focus across geographically distributed teams working on complex, long-duration efforts

Technical Delivery & Mission Assurance

• Develop and implement systems architecture analyses, acquisition effectiveness assessments, requirements development, and risk assessments for NNSA weapons modernization and defense programs
• Lead Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Model Based Development tool implementation for acquisition programs
• Define and deploy Mission Assurance practices across the NNSA enterprise through proven scientific, engineering, and program management principles
• Integrate technical analyses into actionable recommendations that support decision-making on major acquisition and modernization projects

Strategic Growth & Representation

• Network across Aerospace, NNSA, and the Nuclear Enterprise to identify new opportunities where Aerospace capabilities can add mission value
• Represent Aerospace Corporation to customers at working and executive levels, building trust and credibility as an impartial technical advisor
• Coordinate with NNSA's Office of Systems Engineering and Integration, Office of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, and Office of Production Modernization (NA-19) on cross-cutting technical initiatives

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field
• Eight or more years of proven experience in systems engineering, requirements engineering, risk management, and quality assurance
• Demonstrated ability to identify customer problems through consultative engagement with senior stakeholders and translate them into executable technical plans**
• Proven track record of assembling and leading technical teams to solve complex problems under tight timelines
• Experience managing the full system lifecycle: design, development, testing, deployment, and operations
• Strong prioritization skills and ability to maintain focus in multi-stakeholder, fast-paced environments
• Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel as needed
• This position requires 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.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering include:

• Twelve or more years of systems engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility
• Experience working directly with senior government executives (SES, Flag Officer, or equivalent) to define and scope major technical initiatives
• Acts as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or team leader on high-visibility programs
• Demonstrated capability to coordinate large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines, interfacing between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff
• Proven ability to mobilize and lead diverse, cross-functional teams on short notice to respond to emerging customer needs**
• Ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner with minimal oversight

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in a STEM or related subject area
• Formal degree or certification in systems engineering and/or project management (e.g., INCOSE CSEP, PMP)
• Experience with Digital Engineering toolsets: Cameo, Unified Architecture Framework, MATLAB, Simulink, Wind River, Simics, ExtendSim, Python
• Deep experience in systems engineering program controls: requirements flow-down, interface definition, resource-loaded schedules, change control, performance analysis, risk management, cost/schedule/performance trades
• Familiarity with NNSA Defense Programs missions and the DOE/NNSA national laboratory ecosystem
• Knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities
• Current Top Secret or Q Clearance
• Track record of identifying novel solutions to complex national security problems by bringing together unconventional combinations of technical expertise**
• Experience building and maintaining high-performing technical teams in matrixed organizations    

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)

$131,400.00 - $240,500.00Pay 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 [email protected] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.