Nuclear Hardness & 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 Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
The Electronics and Sensors Division (ESD) is a world-class engineering and scientific leader in electronics and remote sensing systems. The Electrical Systems Assurance Department (ESAD) resides within ESD. 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 ESD to deliver trusted assessments and recommendations to national space systems and civil customers.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Perform Nuclear Hardness and Survivability (NH&S) analysis for satellite electronics units, subsystems, payloads, and ballistic missile systems.
- Review test plans and test reports for radiation testing of electronic components against requirements on total dose, displacement damage, prompts and prompt dose latchup/ upset, and single event effects
- Prepare survivability analysis for space environments such as Micrometeoroids, Atomic Oxygen, and single event effects
- Review plans and procedures for component and box-level Flash X-ray testing
- Perform radiation environment simulations/ estimations using DTRA ASSIST (QPROMPT,DGBETS, GSCENARIO), testable hardware toolkit (THTk), FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS, CREME96, and other radiation analysis tools
- Review radiation requirements and compliance at PDRs, CDRs, and other program reviews as required
- Review of industry survivability/ radiation plans and reports
What You Need to be Successful [5-8 bullets recommended]
Minimum Requirements:
- Degree from an accredited university in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
- Minimum 8 years of engineering experience, with at least 5 years in NH&S
- Experience reviewing NH&S analyses and ensuring NH&S requirements are met
- Experience using SGEMP for design and analysis of flight hardware
- Experience performing radiation predictions using DTRA ASSIST, THTk, FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS,CREME96 and other radiation tools
- Experience evaluating electronic components for space flight units
- Experience in electron/ proton/ x-ray transport analysis
- Demonstrated understanding of prompt dose effects
How You Can Stand Out [3-5 bullets recommended]
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Minimum 12 years of engineering experience, with at least 10 years in Nuclear Hardness and Survivability
- Demonstrated expertise in NH&S performing radiation predictions using DTRA ASSIST, THTk, FASTRAD, MCNP, SPENVIS,CREME96, SGEMP and other radiation tools
- Extensive expertise of radiation effects on electric components and systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Active TS/SCI clearance
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 diverse 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.