Distinguished Technical Leader - Radiation Effects (Space Systems)

Distinguished Technical Leader Radiation Effects (Space Systems)

Northwest Talent Solutions is partnering with a confidential aerospace and defense organization to identify a Distinguished Technical Leader in Radiation Effects to support next-generation space systems critical to national security missions.

This role is designed for a deep subject-matter expert who will lead technical efforts ensuring high-reliability space electronics perform as intended in natural space and nuclear radiation environments . The position offers the opportunity to shape technology roadmaps, influence system architectures, and transition advanced capabilities into flight-ready space systems.

What You'll Do:

• Lead technical efforts to ensure space systems meet performance objectives in extreme radiation environments

• Analyze and model natural space and nuclear radiation effects at the component and system level

• Develop and validate radiation effects mitigation strategies for high-reliability space electronics

• Establish, improve, and institutionalize radiation effects engineering processes

• Guide the integration of commercial technologies into mission-critical space systems

• Collaborate closely with mission partners, systems engineers, and program leadership

• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technical team members

• Contribute to long-term technology roadmaps and future space system architectures

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field with 15+ years of relevant experience , or a Master's degree with equivalent experience

• Deep expertise in space radiation environments , modeling, and analysis techniques

• Demonstrated experience with radiation effects mitigation at both component and system levels

• Background supporting high-reliability, high-availability space systems

• Experience transitioning advanced technologies from concept through qualification and deployment

• Strong technical leadership, communication, and mentorship skills

• Ability to work effectively in classified and government-partnered environments

• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance (polygraph preferred but not required at hire)

Preferred Experience:

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or Physics

• Experience with radiation-hardened electronics or space qualification programs

• Familiarity with classified space missions and defense programs

• Proven track record influencing system architectures and engineering standards

Work Environment:

• Based in Scottsdale, AZ , with options for fully on-site or flexible work depending on program needs

• Collaborative, research-driven environment with long-term mission impact

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates

This opportunity is ideal for senior technical leaders who want to apply decades of expertise to solve some of the most challenging problems in space systems engineeringwhile shaping the future of national security technology.