Nuclear Hardness & Surivivability Engineer - Senior Member of Technical Staff

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.
At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!
The Nuclear Hardness & Survivability (NH&S) department resides within MPD. Our staff includes technical leaders and subject matter experts in the areas of radiation survivability of electronic components/ hardware units in a natural and man-made space environment. Our expertise, combined with modeling and analysis capabilities, enables NH&S to deliver trusted assessments and recommendations to national security space systems and commercial customers. Take this opportunity to apply to the Aerospace NH&S department for the opportunity to work on cutting edge science with immediate mission impact.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA
What You’ll Be Doing
Learn to perform Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) analysis for satellite electronics units, subsystems, payloads, and missile systems
Understand test plans and test reports for radiation testing of electronic components against requirements on total dose, displacement damage, prompt dose rate latchup/upset, and single event effects
Learn to prepare survivability analyses for space environments such as micrometeoroids, atomic oxygen, solar energetic particles, and single event effects
Understand plans and procedures for component and box-level Flash X-ray testing
Learn to perform radiation environment estimations using DTRA M&S tools (ASSIST, QPROMPT, DGBETS, GSCENARIO, PRPSIM, FAB4DA, EMREP, GAP-RF), testable hardware toolkit (THTk), FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS, CREME96, GEANT4, Ansys Charge Plus, SIRE2, Warren and other radiation analysis tools
Review and understand radiation requirements and compliance at PDRs, CDRs, and other program reviews as required
Review of industry to review survivability/ radiation plans and implement best practices
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or other related degree
Five or more years of increasingly responsible and related engineering experience; Time spent obtaining advanced degree counts towards this.
Proficient programming with scientific computing languages like Matlab, Mathematica, IDL, Python, or C++.
This position requires 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.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced Degree
Experience in Nuclear Hardness and Survivability
Knowledge of radiation effects on electric components and systems
Proven ability to review NH&S analyses and verify NH&S requirements are met
Proficiency addressing SGEMP in design and analysis of flight hardware
Skilled in performing radiation predictions using ASSIST, THTk, FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS, CREME96 or other radiation tools
Exposure to machine learning or artificial intelligence methods, and implementation experience
Background evaluating electronic components for space flight units
Expertise in electron/ proton/ neutron/ photon transport analysis
Understanding of prompt dose effects
Active TS/SCI or Q clearance
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)
$100,300.00 - $150,400.00
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 — Empl