Hardware Analyst / 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.

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 seeking a Hardware Analyst / Systems Engineer (Senior Member of Technical Staff/Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering) to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D (DNN R&D) and support our team working directly with the NNSA/Space-based Nuclear Detonation Detection (SNDD) program.  Using hardware analysis and system engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise, you will assist DNN R&D in assessing performance, risk, and future needs of space-based nuclear detonation detection sensors to improve program performance and accountability. You will develop, lead, and execute studies to evaluate technology development and planning, and conduct risk assessments.  This role will require you to work collaboratively with the Aerospace Engineering Technology Group (ETG) leveraging subject matter expert (SME) support across the company to fully leverage the Aerospace Corporation's technical capabilities in all relevant areas to best support NNSA.  Your support will be instrumental in assessing hardware development efforts in support of NNSA’s nuclear nonproliferation mission.

Work Model

This is a full-time position based in Albuquerque, NM, offering a hybrid work model that combines 3-4 regular onsite workdays and hybrid flexibility as the business needs allow.  

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work closely with the Aerospace SNDD team as a programmatic and technical consultant to identify and assess issues, concerns, challenges, and solutions relevant to the program 
• Communicate assessments (written and verbal) that provide information to decision makers in support of the SNDD program
• Support a portfolio of high-impact projects, engaging with other experts across multiple disciplines to explore innovative enterprise solutions to critical national missions
• Reach back across Aerospace’s SME population to bring state of the art tools and approaches to the technical and systems engineering challenges of the program
• Represent the Aerospace Corporation to customers in both the NNSA and the Department of Defense (DoD) at various working and management levels

What You Need to be Successful – Senior Member of Technical Staff - Nuclear and Systems Engineering

Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical discipline
• 3 or more years of relevant experience in Technical Project Management, Physics, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience working with U.S. government agencies such as DoD or DOE/NNSA/DNN
• Experience in the analysis, development, acquisition, and testing of space hardware systems
• Desire to support major program acquisition and operations for the NNSA
• Willingness to travel and support customer needs as required
• Demonstrated competency in interpersonal, written and oral communication skills

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

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Project Engineer - Nuclear and Systems Engineering

 include:

• 6 or more years of relevant experience in Technical Project Management, Physics, Engineering, or a related field 
• Experience with signal and/or image processing for SAR, radar, or SIGINT
• Demonstrated ability to self-manage efforts
• Evidence of working successfully in a team environment with federal governmental organizations

How You Can Stand Out

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

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Geophysics, or related technical discipline Space-based systems experience to include radiation hardness requirements
• Work supporting major program acquisition and/or operations for the DoD
• Current and active Top Secret/SCI or DOE Q 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 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 peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.