NNSA Defense Programs 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 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.

The NNSA Programs Division within CSG is seeking an NNSA Defense Programs Engineer (Project Engineer or Senior Project Engineer
- Digital and Systems Engineering) to serve as a technical leader and advisor supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This position provides critical systems engineering and integration expertise to NNSA Defense Programs, supporting acquisition and modernization efforts across the Nuclear Security Enterprise.

In this role, you will leverage your understanding of NNSA missions and the Nuclear Security Enterprise to deliver expert technical analysis, support or lead integrated project teams, and provide guidance on complex systems engineering challenges. Senior‑level candidates will serve as a senior technical authority, mentor junior staff, and work directly with NNSA leadership to enhance program effectiveness and mission success.

This is a full‑time position based in Crystal City, VA, Chantilly, VA, El Segundo, CA, Albuquerque, NM, or Colorado Springs, CO with an expectation of at least 4 days onsite per week. Occasional travel is required, up to approximately one week per month.

• Provide expert systems engineering and integration (SE&I) support to NNSA weapons modernization programs through technical analyses including systems architecture, technology development planning, organizational effectiveness studies, risk assessments, and lifecycle acquisition program reviews to enhance efficiencies and support decision-making
• Lead or participate in integrated project teams and task execution on an as‑needed basis, leveraging Aerospace's engineering backplane to deliver high‑quality technical solutions
• Apply systems engineering principles across the nuclear weapons lifecycle, including requirements development, interface management, technical integration, and risk mitigation, while developing solutions that improve acquisition program effectiveness and efficiency
• Apply digital engineering knowledge and acumen to…