NNSA Defense Programs Engineer - Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer - Digital and Systems Engineering

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 Engineer or Senior Project Engineer - Digital 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.

In this role, you will leverage your understanding of NNSA missions and the Nuclear Security Enterprise to deliver expert technical analysis, support or lead integrated project teams, and provide guidance on complex systems engineering challenges. Senior-level candidates will serve as a senior technical authority, mentor junior staff, and work directly with NNSA leadership to enhance program effectiveness and mission success.

This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA, or Albuquerque, NM, 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

• 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
• Apply digital engineering knowledge and acumen to implement digital solutions to improve customer adoption and use of digital engineering methodologies and tools
• 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
• For Senior-level: Serve as a senior technical authority and consultant to NNSA leadership on systems engineering, digital engineering, and integration matters; provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field from an accredited university
• Six (6) years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems
• Familiarity with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including NNSA and its national laboratories, production plants, and sites; understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions
• 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
• Demonstrated capability to perform technical analysis and contribute to delivery of high-quality technical products
• Ability to travel occasionally, up to approximately one week per month
• Active Top Secret or Q Clearance (issued by the U.S. government). U.S. citizenship is required to maintain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Sr. Project/Systems Engineer include:

• Ten (10) years of progressive experience in systems engineering, acquisition program development and management, or technical operations involving sophisticated national security systems
• Demonstrated familiarity and experience working with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, including NNSA and its national laboratories, production plants, and sites; understanding of NNSA Defense Programs missions and the unique challenges of the nuclear weapons complex
• Strong project management and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, formulate plans, manage schedules and deliverables, coordinate complex technical efforts, mentor staff, and serve as a technical authority or consultant
• Demonstrated capability to perform technical analysis and lead delivery of high-quality technical products

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering, science, systems engineering, or related technical field
• Extensive knowledge of specific NNSA Defense Programs, weapons modernization efforts, or stockpile stewardship initiatives
• Direct experience working at or closely with the national laboratories, understanding laboratory culture, capabilities, and operating models
• 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
• Proficiency with Python for engineering analysis, automation, or tool development; familiarity with MBSE tools (Cameo Systems Modeler), project collaboration tools (JIRA, Confluence), requirements management tools (DOORS, Jama Connect), and systems integration tools (Syndeia)
• 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)

$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.