Senior Space Nuclear Power Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Coordinate with military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $151,300 - $226,900 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

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About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinate with military, government, SETA, FFRDC, National Laboratory, UARC, and contractor teams to develop and mature space power and propulsion technologies
Provide technical insight and consultation on industry support for government space power needs, including solar and nuclear power and propulsion
Lead mid-level and senior-level technical specialists on multidisciplinary aerospace projects
Identify critical technology elements and assess technology readiness of proposed contractor solutions
Leverage Aerospace technical support teams and subject matter experts for analysis, trade studies, risk reduction, systems modeling, CONOPs, enterprise assessments, and conceptual designs
Apply systems engineering and project management expertise to support design and program reviews, development, testing, mission assurance, technical expertise, and transition efforts
Participate in systems architecture analyses, technology development planning and evaluation, organizational effectiveness studies, and risk assessments
Integrate Aerospace capabilities through virtual teaming, backplane engagement, and matrixed technical support
Collaborate with and guide technical teams working with program offices, Aerospace Engineering Matrix staff, and customers
Identify opportunities to adopt new technologies and anticipate future challenges
Develop positive working relationships with customer management and customer/contractor staff
Serve as customer interface for technology development programs, mission development, systems engineering, and operations planning for technology demonstrations and space experiments/prototypes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Masters of Science in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (i.e. nuclear, chemical or electrical engineering)
12 or more years of progressively responsible professional experience working across government programs
Strong technical background in space-based power systems
Space system technical background and program experience across the mission lifecycle of a space system
Experience working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and establish and maintain trusted relationships with government customers, SETA contractors, and key stakeholders
Experience with project management stage-gate reviews
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; experience presenting and writing technical information
Willingness to occasionally travel and support customer needs domestically approximately once a month, as required
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government
U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
Doctorate degree in a technical field related to generation and/or conversion of space power (preferred)
Knowledge of Space Force acquisitions and experience interfacing with USAF/USSF/SAF leadership
Experience performing research and increasing technology readiness level
Experience reviewing, evaluating, and providing constructive feedback to support research performed by others
Background in program office and management activities; experience directing matrixed technical support teams
Demonstrated success organizing and leading cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to execute studies and assessments and generate quality products
Working knowledge of expertise from across the Aerospace Corporation, especially subject matter experts and laboratory operations, with the ability to support customer needs
Active security clearance — TS/SCI and/or Q security clearance (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect