Nuclear 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 Nuclear Operations Directorate (NOD) is seeking a Nuclear Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and data architecture support to the US Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) at Kirtland, AFB, in Albuquerque NM. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, systems engineering support, and requirements analysis for strategic systems. The candidate will be a customer interface to the Engineering Directorate, at the AFNWC and will also interface with the ground launched ICBMs (AFNWC/NI), Air launched cruise missiles (AFNWC/ND), and the Nuclear Command, Control and Communication (AFNWC/NC) program offices. The role will be responsible for leading AFNWC in architecting data structure and implementing Digital Engineering across the AFNWC support programs and will directly interface with NOD staff at other US Air Force bases as required. The candidate must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills and be able to effectively interface with the government customer and contractors. The ability to effectively organize and lead ETG support teams is required. The role will serve as technical lead; managing cost and schedule performance for all projects assigned in support of AFNWC. As a valued member of the NOD leadership team, this position reports directly to the Systems Director for Nuclear Systems, Nuclear Operations Directorate, Kirtland, AFB.

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

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead studies in support of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center

Work with AFNWC to architect their future data architecture requirements and other engineering needs

Support development and validation of system requirements

Support review and analysis of contractor deliveries

Provide input to the system acquisition process

Lead studies in support of system and functional level requirements and performance specifications

Work with AFNWC to identify key tasks, analysis and studies to be performed by Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group (ETG)

Support teams of Government, Aerospace (including ETG), and SETA personnel and work with directorates and offices across the government organization

Develop briefings and present recommendations to customer and Aerospace management staff at all levels of the organization

Manage STE allocation budget and schedule execution for assigned activities

Up to 30% travel may be required to US domestic locations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or an appropriate technical discipline from a recognized institution.

12 or more years of relevant professional experience related to Systems Engineering with ICBMs and/or aircraft

Previous experience leading acquisition and operation of strategic weapons systems

Proven experience interacting directly with senior Government management and to work autonomously in a program office environment.

Up to 30% travel may be required to domestic US locations

This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance , issued by the US government. US 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:

Advanced degree in applicable science or engineering discipline

A current and active Top-Secret clearance

SAP experience

Previous experience with ICBMs and/or aircraft

Previous experience with Nuclear Command and Control, Cryptologic Device Certification, Supply Chain Risk Assessment, Cyber Security, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis.

Previous experience supporting acquisition and operation of strategic weapons systems

Knowledge of Aerospace ETG capabilities and experience with identifying tasks and managing ETG support

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 disa