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Nuclear Hardness & Surivivability 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 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 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 Aerospace offices in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA and requires a minimum of four 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 analyses 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 – Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

Degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or other related degree

Six or more years of applicable professional industry experience required

Proficient programming with scientific computing like Matlab, Mathematica, IDL, Python, or C++.

Experience 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

Track record reviewing NH&S analyses and ensuring NH&S requirements are met

Proven abilities leading radiation testing campaigns at the part, board, and box level

Exposure to 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 and/or current radiation test facilities

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

How You Can Stand Out

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

Advanced Degree

Minimum 8 years of engineering experience, with 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

Experience evaluating SGEMP as a design consideration of flight hardware

Extensive expertise of radiation effects and interactions on electronic 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)

$117,300 - $175,900Pay 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

equalopportunity

employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of , , (including , childbirth, and related medical conditions), , , or expression,

,,geneticinformation,

marital status, ancestry, , protected veteran status, physical , medical condition, mental , or status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a 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 emailat

peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org

.You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .

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Nuclear Hardness & Surivivability Engineer

United States
Full time

Published on 07/15/2025

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