Sr. Space Nuclear Power 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.

The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers’ portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems.

The Advanced Technology and Concepts (ATC) organization within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) leads the Aerospace team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) executed with the Air Force and Space Force. The Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer supports Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) in its prototyping of high power spacecraft with photovoltaics and nuclear power sources by actively participating in the early phases of the spacecraft and payload lifecycle.

AFRL leads research and development for the Air Force and Space Force and develops prototypes and advanced technology demonstrators across the Department of War. This role will be the customer interface, providing assistance and oversight for technology development programs and mission development, systems engineering and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments/ prototypes both with the Space Force and with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Additionally, the Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer will source subject matter expertise from within the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group to solve the customer’s hardest problems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at one of our facilities in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, or Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Coordinate with members of a diverse team of military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies to enable national security mission concepts.
- Provide technical insight and consultation on industry support to government needs for space power needs such as solar and nuclear power and propulsion
- Lead a range of mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multi-disciplinary aerospace projects to inform key stakeholders and government customers.
- Identify critical technology elements and technology readiness of contractor proposed solutions to establish baseline for next generation spacecraft power systems.
- Leverage and utilize Aerospace Corporations technical support team by working with SMEs to utilize tools for analysis and trade studies, risk reduction strategies, architecture/systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs.
- Apply systems engineering best practices and project management expertise to assist the government in design/program reviews, development, test, mission assurance, technical subject matter expertise, and transition efforts.
- Participate in studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments across program lifecycles.
- Integrate and leverage all aspects/functions/capability of the Aerospace Corporation in executing the mission portfolio through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, ETG matrix, etc.
- Collaborate and guide technical teams to ensure that program office and Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff are effectively teamed to work closely with the customer.
- Identify exciting opportunities for adopting new technologies to solve existing needs and predict future challenges.
- Develop positive, lasting working relations with customer management and all levels of customer/contractor staff.

What You Need to Be Successful
Minimum requirements for Senior Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering:

- Masters of Science in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (i.e. nuclear, chemical or electrical engineering)
- 12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience working across government programs
- Strong technical background in space-based power systems
- Space system technical background and program experience across the mission lifecycle of a space system
- Experience working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders
- Experience with project management stage-gate reviews.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information
- Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs (domestically) approximately once a month (as required)
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government . U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

- Doctorate degree in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (i.e. nuclear, chemical or electrical engineering)

- Knowledge of Space Force acquisitions and experience interfacing with USAF/USSF/SAF leadership
- Experience performing research and increasing technology readiness level
- Experience reviewing, evaluating, and providing constructive feedback to support research performed by others
- Background in program office and management activities; experience directing matrixed technical support teams.
- Demonstrated success in organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
- Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations with the ability to support customer needs
- An active security clearance – TS/SCI and/or Q security 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

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 .