NNSA Defense Programs Engineer — Digital & Systems Leader

The Aerospace Corporation; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 117,000 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care and wellness plans

401(k) plan with company match

Relocation assistance

Education assistance programs

Telework options

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer - Digital and Systems Engineering) to provide expert SE&I support for NNSA weapon modernization programs and to guide complex technical analyses for multi‑disciplinary teams.

This full‑time role requires strong collaboration with NNSA leadership, travel up to one week per month, and up to four onsite days per week at multiple US locations, including Colorado Springs, Chantilly, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field from an accredited university.
• 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 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. U.S. citizenship is required to maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Strong communication

Team leadership

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field

Tools

SysML

Cameo Systems Modeler

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer - Digital and Systems Engineering) to provide expert SE&I support for NNSA weapon modernization programs and to guide complex technical analyses for multi‑disciplinary teams.

This full‑time role requires strong collaboration with NNSA leadership, travel up to one week per month, and up to four onsite days per week at multiple US locations, including Colorado Springs, Chantilly, and