SE&I Technical Leader

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 Civil Systems Group (CSG) seeks a focused SE&I Technical Leader (Senior Project Engineer/ Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering) to support the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs through systems engineering and integration (SE&I) expertise. This role requires someone who can work closely with senior NNSA leadership to identify complex technical and programmatic challenges, rapidly assemble the right team of experts to address them, and drive execution from problem definition through solution delivery. You'll serve as the primary interface between NNSA customers and Aerospace's deep technical capabilities, ensuring we bring the right expertise to bear at the right time.
This is a full-time position based in Crystal City, VA; offering a hybrid work model that combines 4 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as business needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing
Customer Engagement & Problem Identification
Partner with NNSA leadership at the Deputy Administrator level to identify, scope, and prioritize technical and programmatic challenges requiring Aerospace support
Conduct consultative engagements with senior stakeholders across NNSA, DOE national laboratories, Department of Defense, and Department of State to diagnose customer needs and define problem statements
Translate complex, often ambiguous customer challenges into actionable technical and programmatic initiatives
Maintain strategic focus on highest-priority mission needs while managing multiple concurrent customer relationships
Team Leadership & Execution
Rapidly assemble and lead cross-functional teams of Aerospace subject matter experts to address specific customer challenges, leveraging resources across Arlington VA, Chantilly VA, Albuquerque NM, El Segundo CA, and remote locations
Drive team execution from problem identification through solution delivery, ensuring quality, timeliness, and mission impact
Lead task planning, resource allocation, and work integration to produce unified, high-quality technical products
Maintain momentum and focus across geographically distributed teams working on complex, long-duration efforts
Technical Delivery & Mission Assurance
Develop and implement systems architecture analyses, acquisition effectiveness assessments, requirements development, and risk assessments for NNSA weapons modernization and defense programs
Lead Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Model Based Development tool implementation for acquisition programs
Define and deploy Mission Assurance practices across the NNSA enterprise through proven scientific, engineering, and program management principles
Integrate technical analyses into actionable recommendations that support decision-making on major acquisition and modernization projects
Strategic Growth & Representation
Network across Aerospace, NNSA, and the Nuclear Enterprise to identify new opportunities where Aerospace capabilities can add mission value
Represent Aerospace Corporation to customers at working and executive levels, building trust and credibility as an impartial technical advisor
Coordinate with NNSA's Office of Systems Engineering and Integration, Office of Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, and Office of Production Modernization (NA-19) on cross-cutting technical initiatives
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering
Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related technical field
Eight or more years of proven experience in systems engineering, requirements engineering, risk management, and quality assurance
Demonstrated ability to identify customer problems through consultative engagement with senior stakeholders and translate them into executable technical plans**
Proven track record of assembling and leading technical teams to solve complex problems under tight timelines
Experience managing the full system lifecycle: design, development, testing, deployment, and operations
Strong prioritization skills and ability to maintain focus in multi-stakeholder, fast-paced environments
Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills
Willingness to travel as needed
This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security 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 Senior Project Engineer- Digital & Systems Engineering include:
Twelve or more years of systems engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility
Experience working directly with senior government executives (SES, Flag Officer, or equivalent) to define and scope major technical initiatives
Acts as senior technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or team leader on high-visibility programs
Demonstrated capability to coordinate large-scale technical efforts across program/project lines, interfacing between customers and Aerospace technical and management staff
Proven ability to mobilize and lead diverse, cross-functional teams on short notice to respond to emerging customer needs**
Ability to work in a self-motivated and self-directed manner with minimal oversight
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Advanced degree in a STEM or related subject area
Formal degree or certification in systems engineering and/or project management (e.g., INCOSE CSEP, PMP)
Experience with Digital Engineering toolsets: Cameo, Unified Architecture Framework, MATLAB, Simulink, Wind River, Simics, ExtendSim, Python
Deep experience in systems engineering program controls: requirements flow-down, interface definition, resource-loaded schedules, change control, performance analysis, risk management, cost/schedule/performance trades
Familiarity with NNSA Defense Programs missions and the DOE/NNSA national laboratory ecosystem
Knowledge of Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group (ETG) skills and capabilities
Current Top Secret or Q Clearance
Track record of identifying novel solutions to complex national security problems by bringing together unconventional combinations of technical expertise**
Experience building and maintaining high-performing technical teams in matrixed organizations
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)
$131,400.00 - $240,500.00
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 welln

Skills
Python, Project Management, Risk Management, MATLAB