The Aerospace Corporation · Albuquerque, NM

NNSA DNN Independent Assessments Chair at The Aerospace Corporation — Albuquerque, NM

Full-timeAlbuquerque, NM$151,300–$226,900/yearPosted 2026-07-23Apply on Workday

Full job description

We are looking for a NNSA DNN Independent Assessments Chair (Senior Project Engineer - Technical Project Management and Nuclear Engineering). As a member of the Civil Systems Group you will be part of an experienced team of scientists and engineers working together to advance the mission of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN). In addition to supporting our team performing Independent Assessments and Reviews of federally funded research activities, you will also contribute to our core competencies: architecting, integrating, assessing, and analyzing technical activities across nuclear nonproliferation enterprise. This work requires an interest and passion in nonproliferation research, development, and analysis.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Crystal City, VA or Albuquerque, NM

What You’ll Be Doing

  • In collaboration with others, you will advise or lead cross-organization teams of experts to perform Independent Assessments of DNN’s research portfolio.
  • Analyze and document current and potential future funded research plans and projects as directed by DNN
  • Perform project management activities while leveraging technical capabilities from across Aerospace to address DNN programmatic challenges
  • Deliver high-quality assessments and communications for senior NNSA officials, including Secretary-level, that document findings and provide actionable recommendations.

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Project Engineer - Technical Project Management and Nuclear Engineering

Minimum Requirements:

  • Advanced degree from an accredited program in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related STEM field
  • 20 or more years since terminal degree of progressively responsible and related experience in R&D, physics, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry/engineering, or a closely related field
  • 5-10 years in project and/or program management
  • Extensive experience working with U.S. government agencies such as DOE, NNSA, DHS, or DoD
  • Strong knowledge of nuclear nonproliferation technology development.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand scientific work across a broad and varied technical spectrum
  • Superior interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to express technical concepts and recommendations to personnel at all technical and managerial levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings to gain feedback and consensus.
  • This position requires the 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.
  • Demonstrated ability to self-manage efforts and solve problems.
  • Availability to travel domestically, at times on short notice, approximately one or two weeks per month (on average) or 20-50% of the time
  • 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.

How You Can Stand Out

  • Doctorate in Physics, Nuclear Physics, or Nuclear Engineering, or closely related field
  • 15 or more years’ experience successfully leading and contributing to R&D projects (such as serving as a principal investigator)
  • 5 or more years’ experience working at a DOE National Laboratory
  • Experience working with NNSA DNN R&D and other NNSA DNN program offices
  • Familiarity/experience with analysis of global proliferation activities
  • Understanding of stakeholders of nonproliferation technologies.
  • Evidence of success working in a team environment with federal governmental organizations
  • Currently hold or qualified for active Q or TS, and SCI clearance
  • Leadership in multi organization Societies (IEEE, APS, INMM, ANS, MRS, etc.)
  • Journal Editorial or Peer Review experience

(Min - Max)

$151,300.00 - $226,900.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

  • 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

Equal Opportunity Commitment