Nuclear Security 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.

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, through system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise.  We are looking for a Nuclear Security Systems Engineer (Project Engineer/ Sr. Project Engineer- Nuclear and Systems Engineering). You will develop, lead, and execute studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments.  This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) across the company to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA.  

Work Model 

This is a full-time position based in Albuquerque, NM, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.   

What You’ll Be Doing  

• Provide independent and unbiased analysis across multi-disciplinary technical areas supporting the sustainment and modernization of systems within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the greater Nuclear Security Enterprise.  
• Lead Aerospace ETG teams to support activities within the NNSA Office of Systems Engineering and Integration, NNSA weapons Life Extension Programs (LEPs) and other NNSA offices through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success. 
• Conduct systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of projects. 
• Lead studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments. 
• Lead collaborations with program development and program execution staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA. 
• Lead task execution and integration of technical analyses into high quality, unified final products. Utilize systems engineering frameworks with risk management and independent assessment as cornerstones. 
• The customer for this position is the NNSA Office of Systems Engineering and Integration. 

What You Need to be Successful  

Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer-Nuclear and Systems Engineering

• 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 6 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. 
• 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