Nuclear Hardness & Survivability Engineer - Senior Engineering Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Lead Nuclear Hardness and Survivability professional to drive NH&S analyses for satellite electronics and missile systems. This role involves reviewing radiation test plans, preparing survivability analyses for space environments, and participating in major program reviews.

Travel up to 25% and ability to obtain security clearance are required. We offer a competitive package with grade-based pay and extensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of related post‑grad experience.
• Experience in electron/proton/x‑ray transport analysis or related work.
• Track record reviewing NH&S analyses and NH&S requirements compliance.
• Proven proficiency evaluating SGEMP as a design consideration of flight hardware.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).
• Willingness to travel domestically to support customer engagements (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Lead NH&S analyses for satellite electronics units, subsystems, payloads, and missile systems.
• Review test plans and reports for radiation testing against requirements (dose, displacement damage, latchup, SEE).
• Prepare survivability analyses for space environments (micrometeoroids, atomic oxygen, solar energetic particles, SEE).
• Evaluate plans for component and box-level Flash X‑ray testing.
• Calculate radiation environment estimations using DTRA M&S tools and related software.
• Participate in program PDRs, CDRs, and other reviews on radiation requirements and compliance.
• Promote engagement with industry and government to review survivability plans and best practices.

Skills

NH&S analyses

Radiation testing

Program reviews

Lead evaluation

Security clearance

Willingness to travel

Education

Master's degree or higher in physics/nuclear/EE

Tools

ASSIST

QPROMPT

DGBETS

GSCENARIO

PRPSIM

THTk

FASTRAD

MCNP

GEANT4

SPENVIS

CREME96

Ansys Charge Plus

SIRE2

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.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Nuclear Hardness & Survivability (NH&S) department resides within MPD. Our staff includes technical leaders and subject matter experts in the areas of radiation survivability of electronic components/ hardware units in a natural and man‑made space environment. Our expertise, combined with modeling and analysis capabilities, enables NH&S to deliver trusted assessments and recommendations to national security space systems and commercial customers. Take this opportunity to apply to the Aerospace NH&S department for the opportunity to work on cutting edge science with immediate mission impact.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at either Chantilly, VA; or El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) analyses for satellite electronics units, subsystems, payloads, and missile systems
• Review test plans and test reports for radiation testing of electronic components against requirements on total dose, displacement damage, prompt dose rate latchup/ upset, and single event effects
• Prepare survivability analysis for space environments such as micrometeoroids, atomic oxygen, solar energetic particles, and single event effects
• Evaluate plans and procedures for component and box-level Flash X‑ray testing
• Calculate radiation environment estimations using DTRA M&S tools (ASSIST, QPROMPT, DGBETS, GSCENARIO, PRPSIM, FAB4DA, EMREP, GAP‑RF), testable hardware toolkit (THTk), FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS, CREME96, GEANT4, Ansys Charge Plus, SIRE2, Warren and other radiation analysis tools
• Participate at program PDRs, CDRs, and other reviews as required in reviewing radiation requirements and compliance
• Promote engagement with and across industry and government to review survivability/ radiation plans and implement best practices

Minimum Requirements

What You Need to be Successful

• Masters degree or higher in physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or other related degree
• 10 or more years of related post‑grad experience
• Experience in electron/ proton/ x‑ray transport analysis or related experience
• Track record reviewing NH&S analyses and NH&S requirements compliance
• Proven proficiency evaluating SGEMP as a design consideration of flight hardware or related experience
• Documented capability of leading evaluation of electronic components for space flight units
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of prompt dose effects
• Willingness to travel domestically to support customer engagements, up to 25%
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

• Doctoral degree in physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineer or other related degree
• At least 15 years in Nuclear Hardness and Survivability
• Demonstrated capability of performing radiation predictions using DTRA ASSIST, THTk, FAB4DA, FASTRAD, MCNP, GEANT4, Ansys Software Suite, SPENVIS, CREME96, ICEPIC and other radiation tools
• Extensive expertise of radiation effects and interactions on electric components and materials
• Deep experience planning, executing, and analyzing radiation test programs for parts against relevant radiation environments
• Proven systems engineering experience with ability to apply to survivability questions
• Participate in industry and government forums in the space community, including SPWG, JEDEC/SAE, HEART and IEEE groups
• Active TS/SCI or Q clearance

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)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

• 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 [e-mail] . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.