Various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for manipulating the properties of engine exhaust at least partially through the engine's control system to increase the efficiency and performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system. According to one representative embodiment, an engine system properties controller includes an exhaust aftertreatment system module, a powertrain module, and a combustion module. The exhaust aftertreatment system module is configured to generate an exhaust conditions vector request. The powertrain module is configured to receive the exhaust conditions vector request from the exhaust aftertreatment system module and generate at least one engine operating condition target based on the exhaust conditions vector request. The combustion module is configured to receive the at least one engine operating condition target and generate at least one engine controls command based on the at least one engine operating condition target.