🚀 Radiation Effects Engineer
Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff (DMTS)
📍 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona (Onsite or Hybrid/Flex)
🧠 Level: Distinguished / Senior Technical Leadership
🏭 Industry: Aerospace · Defense · Space Systems
🎓 Education: Bachelor’s degree required (Advanced degree preferred)
🛡 Security Clearance: Ability to obtain TS/SCI with Polygraph required
🇺🇸 Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship required
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
✈️ Travel: Occasional
🌌 The Opportunity
A leading national security and space technology organization is seeking a Radiation Effects Engineer at the Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff level to drive mission-critical innovation for next-generation space systems.
This is a rare opportunity to operate at the highest technical tier, shaping how advanced space and defense systems perform in extreme radiation environments, including natural space radiation and nuclear effects. You’ll work at the intersection of deep science, applied engineering, and national security, influencing both current missions and future architectures.
🎯 Mission Impact
In this role, you will lead and define radiation effects engineering strategy to ensure mission success for high-reliability space systems. Your expertise will directly influence the performance, survivability, and resilience of technologies operating in the harshest environments imaginable.
🧭 Key Objectives & Responsibilities
Technical Leadership:
Lead radiation effects engineering efforts for space-based systems operating in natural and nuclear radiation environments.System Assurance:
Ensure space systems meet or exceed performance objectives through proactive radiation analysis, modeling, mitigation, and validation.Innovation & Roadmapping:
Drive the integration of radiation-tolerant technologies into future product roadmaps and mission architectures.Process Development:
Establish, validate, and mature engineering processes for radiation effects analysis and mitigation.Technology Transition:
Lead efforts to transition emerging and commercial technologies into high-reliability, high-availability space systems.Mentorship & Influence:
Serve as a technical authority and mentor to engineers and scientists across multiple programs.Mission Collaboration:
Partner closely with mission stakeholders and government customers to deliver solutions supporting critical national security objectives.
🧠 What Sets You Apart
Deep expertise in natural space radiation environments, including modeling and analysis techniques
Proven experience in radiation effects mitigation at both component and system levels
Strong background integrating commercial technologies into mission-critical space systems
Recognized as a thought leader with the ability to drive change and innovation
Passion for mentoring and advancing technical excellence across teams
🎓 Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field
15+ years of relevant professional experience
(or Master’s degree with 13+ years)Demonstrated leadership in space-qualified or high-reliability electronics environments
➕ Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Physics
Prior experience supporting space, defense, or classified programs
🔐 Security Requirements
TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph preferred at hire
Must be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI with Polygraph
Subject to U.S. Government background investigation
🏢 Work Environment
Based in Scottsdale, AZ
Flexible work arrangements available (onsite or hybrid, program-dependent)
Optional 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
🎁 What’s Offered
Highly competitive total rewards package
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company matching
Paid parental leave and generous PTO
Health & wellness programs
Continuous learning and professional development
Opportunity to work on historic and future-defining space missions
📌 Candidate Snapshot
Attribute
Details
Role
Radiation Effects Engineer – DMTS
Experience
15+ years
Clearance
TS/SCI (Poly eligible)
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
Schedule
Full-time (9/80 option)
Focus
Space systems, radiation survivability
Leadership
Technical (non-people manager)
🌠 Why This Role Matters
This position sits at the pinnacle of technical influence, shaping how space systems survive, perform, and succeed in environments where failure is not an option. Few roles offer this level of technical authority, national impact, and long-term legacy.