Senior Project Engineer

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges. 

This position blends the technical benefits of systems and digital engineering to apply to the program office location in Crystal City, VA. The National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs require system engineering and integration (SE&I) and acquisition program expertise to execute a vital national program. The Senior Project Engineer (Sr Project Engineer- Systems Engineering) will develop and execute studies to support Systems Engineering and Integration activities for focus areas such as systems architecture analyses; acquisition programmatic and technical development effectiveness; requirements development and analysis; and risk assessments. The position will be home roomed and managed from the Systems Integration and Test Office (SITO) in Aerospace’s Engineering and Technology Group. The position will be managed out of SITO and tasked by the program office as a matrixed position. This will require the candidate to work collaboratively with acquisition and modernization program staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA. This construct links to applicant to the engineering expertise in Aerospace while directly supporting the customer.

Work Model

• This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA offering a hybrid work model that combines at least 3 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide expert system integration and systems engineering to challenging National nuclear and space retaliated development.

• Support NNSA Office of Systems Engineering and Integration, NNSA weapons modernization programs and other NNSA offices with system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise.

• Conduct technical analysis of lifecycle acquisition programs and processes to enhance efficiencies, improve program oversight, identify improvement areas and develop technical solutions for resolution.

• Develop technical solutions that improve Mission Assurance practices within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) enterprise through the application of proven scientific, engineering, quality, and program management principles toward the goal of achieving mission success.

• Conduct systems studies and analyses that support technical, programmatic, and organizational decision-making on a variety of acquisition and modernization projects.

• Perform studies such as systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments.

• Develop systems engineering expertise to accomplish collaborations with program development and program execution staff to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support the NNSA and apply to .

• Lead integrated teams to develop Model Based Systems Engineering and Model Based Development tool sets and capabilities for acquisition programs and system lifecycle application and utilization.

• Represent the Aerospace Corporation to senior level customers.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in engineering, science, or other field of study coupled with equivalent experience in technical operations and/or management of advanced technology national security systems.

  • Twelve years of experience in the acquisition program development and management; application of system engineering principles including requirements engineering and analysis, risk management, quality; demonstrated knowledge of acquisition program management principles to achieve success of a design, development, testing, deployment, and operations process, and identifying and mitigating design, production, test, and field support deficiencies that are critical to program success.

  • Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner.

  • Demonstrated teaming and leadership skills in tasks such as formulating plans, leading studies, and utilizing internal technology competency organizations.

  • Demonstrated capability to perform analysis and lead technical product delivery

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

  • Some travel is required.

How You Can Stand Out

• An advanced degree in engineering, science, or related field of study.

• Experience with Digital Engineering tool sets and/or analysis programs for acquisition program management, design, and/or production to include Cameo, Unified Architecture Framework

• A formal degree or certification in systems engineering and/or project management.

• Experience in systems engineering, program controls and quality, including tasks such as requirements flow-down, interface definition, resource loaded schedules, documentation repositories, change control processes, system performance analysis, programmatic risk management, cost, schedule and performance trades, and technology development investment analyses.

• Experience in the analysis of complex technical, programmatic, and management environments for complex problem sets or large acquisition programs.

• Knowledge of NNSA Defense Programs missions.

• Have a current and active TS/SCI clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.  

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 diverse 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/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. 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 ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.