Sr. Space Nuclear Power 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. The Defense Systems Group (DSG) provides analysis-based decision support to senior leaders on space architectures, policy and strategy, technology development, warfighter capability enablers, systems integration, defense industrial base, and threat reduction to help shape existing and future space missions across the national security space (NSS) enterprise. DSG is unique at Aerospace as it not only directly supports major customers, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Air Force Material Command, and senior leadership at the Pentagon, but also provides a broad range of technical support across the national space enterprise, maintaining vertical responsibilities with customers' portfolios as well as horizontal, matrixed responsibilities across the corporation. Additionally, DSG provides deep technical expertise to the Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) in the conception, design, acquisition, launch and operations of satellite, launch vehicle, ground control, and range systems. The Advanced Technology and Concepts (ATC) organization within the Space Innovation Directorate (SID) leads the Aerospace team supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) executed with the Air Force and Space Force. The Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer supports Space Vehicles Directorate (RV) in its prototyping of high power spacecraft with photovoltaics and nuclear power sources by actively participating in the early phases of the spacecraft and payload lifecycle. AFRL leads research and development for the Air Force and Space Force and develops prototypes and advanced technology demonstrators across the Department of War. This role will be the customer interface, providing assistance and oversight for technology development programs and mission development, systems engineering and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments/ prototypes both with the Space Force and with the Air Force Research Laboratory. Additionally, the Sr. Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer will source subject matter expertise from within the Aerospace Engineering and Technology Group to solve the customer's hardest problems. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at one of our facilities in El Segundo, CA, Chantilly, VA, Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM, or Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH. What You'll Be Doing Coordinate with members of a diverse team of military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies to enable national security mission concepts. Provide technical insight and consultation on industry support to government needs for space power needs such as solar and nuclear power and propulsion Lead a range of mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multi-disciplinary aerospace projects to inform key stakeholders and government customers. Identify critical technology elements and technology readiness of contractor proposed solutions to establish baseline for next generation spacecraft power systems. Leverage and utilize Aerospace Corporations technical support team by working with SMEs to utilize tools for analysis and trade studies, risk reduction strategies, architecture