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.

We are looking for a NNSA DNN Independent Assessments Chair (Senior Project Engineer - Technical Project Management and Nuclear Engineering). As a member of the Civil Systems Group you will be part of an experienced team of scientists and engineers working together to advance the mission of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN). In addition to supporting our team performing Independent Assessments and Reviews of federally funded research activities, you will also contribute to our core competencies: architecting, integrating, assessing, and analyzing technical activities across nuclear nonproliferation enterprise. This work requires an interest and passion in nonproliferation research, development, and analysis. 

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Crystal City, VA or Albuquerque, NM

What You’ll Be Doing

• In collaboration with others, you will advise or lead cross-organization teams of experts to perform Independent Assessments of DNN’s research portfolio.
• Analyze and document current and potential future funded research plans and projects as directed by DNN
• Perform project management activities while leveraging technical capabilities from across Aerospace to address DNN programmatic challenges
• Deliver high-quality assessments and communications for senior NNSA officials, including Secretary-level, that document findings and provide actionable recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Technical Project Management and Nuclear Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related STEM field
• 20 or more years since terminal degree of progressively responsible and related experience in R&D, physics, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry/engineering, or a closely related field
• 5-10 years in project and/or program management
• Extensive experience working with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, NNSA, DHS, or DoD
• Strong knowledge of nuclear nonproliferation technology development.
• Demonstrated ability to understand scientific work across a broad and varied technical spectrum
• Superior interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to express technical concepts and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings to gain feedback and consensus.
• This position requires the 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.
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage efforts and solve problems.
• Availability to travel domestically, at times on short notice, approximately one or two weeks per month (on average) or 20-50% of the time
• This position requires 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

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Doctorate in Physics, Nuclear Physics, or Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field
• 15 or more years’ experience successfully leading and contributing to R&D projects (such as serving as a principal investigator)
• 5 or more years’ experience working at a DOE National Laboratory
• Experience working with NNSA DNN R&D and other NNSA DNN program offices
• Familiarity/experience with analysis of global proliferation activities
• Understanding of stakeholders of nonproliferation technologies.
• Evidence of success working in a team environment with federal governmental organizations
• Currently hold or qualified for active Q or TS, and SCI clearance
• Leadership in multi organization Societies (IEEE, APS, INMM, ANS, MRS, etc.)
• Journal Editorial or Peer Review experience

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)

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.