NNSA Defense Programs Engineer

aero; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation seeks an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer) to deliver expert systems engineering and integration for NNSA defense programs in Albuquerque, NM. You will support modernization efforts and collaborate with NNSA staff and Aerospace teams.

You will apply SE&I practices across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, mentor junior engineers, and interact with senior leadership to ensure program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with equivalent experience in national security systems.
• Eight years of progressive experience in systems engineering, program development or technical operations.
• Familiarity with the Nuclear Security Enterprise, NNSA, and its labs and sites.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences including senior leadership.
• Ability to perform complex technical analyses and integrate cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide SE&I support to NNSA weapons modernization programs with architectural analyses and lifecycle reviews.
• Lead or participate in project teams to deliver high-quality technical solutions.
• Apply systems engineering across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, managing interfaces and risks.
• Coordinate with NNSA staff and Aerospace teams to leverage capabilities.
• Demonstrate project management skills and deliver results on time and within scope.
• Represent Aerospace to NNSA customers and build trusted relationships.
• Senior-level: mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Systems engineering

Integration

Project management

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

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 - 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 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
• 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 and integration matters; provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence

What You Need to be Successful - Project Engineer - 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.
• Eight (8) 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 tech