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 au