Nuclear Hardness and Survivability 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.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country’s space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Nuclear Hardness & Survivability (NH&S) department resides within MPD. Our staff includes technical leaders and subject matter experts in the areas of radiation survivability of electronic components/ hardware units in a natural and man-made space environment. Our expertise, combined with modeling and analysis capabilities, enables NH&S to deliver trusted assessments and recommendations to national security space systems and commercial customers. Take this opportunity to apply to the Aerospace NH&S department for the opportunity to work on cutting edge science with immediate mission impact.

Work Model: This position is based at an Aerospace office in El Segundo, CA; Chantilly, VA; Colorado Springs, CO, or Hill AFB, UT and requires a minimum of three days per week in the office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) analysis for satellite electronics units, subsystems, payloads, and missile systems
• Review test plans and test reports for radiation testing of electronic components against requirements on total dose, displacement damage, prompt dose rate latchup/ upset, and single event effects
• Prepare survivability analysis for space environments such as micrometeoroids, atomic oxygen, solar energetic particles, and single event effects
• Review plans and procedures for component and box-level Flash X-ray testing
• Calculate radiation environment estimations using DTRA M&S tools (ASSIST, QPROMPT, DGBETS, GSCENARIO, PRPSIM, FAB4DA, EMREP, GAP-RF), testable hardware toolkit (THTk), FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS, CREME96, GEANT4, Ansys Charge Plus, SIRE2, Warren and other radiation analysis tools
• Participate at program PDRs, CDRs, and other reviews as required in reviewing radiation requirements and compliance
• Engage with industry to review survivability/ radiation plans and implement best practices
  
  

What You Need to be Successful - Senior Member of Technical Staff

Minimum Requirements

• Five or more years of related post-grad experience
• Degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or other related degree
• Experience programming with scientific computing languages like Matlab, Mathematica, IDL, Python, or C .
• Work evaluating electronic components for space flight units or related experience
• Capability in electron/ proton/ x-ray transport analysis or related experience
• Demonstrated understanding of prompt dose effects
• This position requires 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
  
  

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:

• Eight or more years of related post-grad experience
• Experience reviewing NH&S analyses and ensuring NH&S requirements are met
• Track record leading radiation testing campaigns at the part, board, and box level
• Proven proficiency evaluating SGEMP as a design consideration of flight hardware
• Deep familiarity with applicable government standards (MIL-STD-3053, MIL-STD-3054, MIL-STD-3065, MDA-STD-001, SSC-S-014, SSC-S-016, MIL-STD-2169D)
• Familiarity with COTS state of the art electronics or current radiation test facilities
  
  

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced Degree
• At least 5 years in Nuclear Hardness and Survivability
• Demonstrated expertise in NH&S through performing radiation predictions using DTRA ASSIST, THTk, FAB4DA, FASTRAD, MCNP, GEANT4, Ansys Software Suite, SPENVIS, CREME96, ICEPIC and other radiation tools
• Extensive expertise of radiation effects and interactions on electric components and materials
• Systems engineering experience with ability to apply to survivability questions
• Active TS/SCI or Q clearance
  
  

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)

$103,300 - $175,900

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 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
  
  

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.