Electrical-Optical engineering Lead

KBR•Greenbelt, MD

7d•$154,000 - $230,900

About The Position

KBR is seeking an Electrical-Optical Engineering Lead to manage technical development of advanced laser systems and associated photonics and electro-optical hardware for spaceflight applications. The role combines technical expertise with engineering team leadership and product development ownership, including responsibility for technical performance, budget, schedule, and delivery. Flight hardware development or qualification for aerospace or space applications, particularly programs requiring NASA, ESA, or equivalent standards, is strongly preferred. The lead serves as Product Development Leader (PDL) and technical authority for advanced electro-optical and laser-based spacecraft systems. They provide engineering leadership throughout the design, development, integration, qualification, and flight deployment lifecycle, while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing program risks and resources. The role is associated with KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business. Employees who join before the planned spin-off, expected in January 2027, will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply. The position's stated compensation range for the Greenbelt, Maryland area is $154,000–$230,900. The offered rate depends on factors including position, contract affordability, work location, and the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Experience developing lasers and laser systems, including photonics and electronics/electro-optics.
Experience developing spaceflight hardware.
Experience leading small engineering teams and serving as a technical manager with budget and schedule responsibility.
Experience as a Product Development Leader (PDL) or in a comparable product development leadership role.
Strong technical background combining engineering analysis and hands-on laboratory work.
At least 15 years of experience in electro-optical engineering.
Flight hardware development or qualification experience for aerospace or space systems.
Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing and optical assembly processes.
Knowledge of laser safety standards and compliance.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.
Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Experience with flight hardware development or qualification for aerospace or space applications, particularly programs requiring compliance with NASA, ESA, or equivalent standards.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, analysis, integration, and testing of lasers, laser systems, photonics, and associated electronics.
Serve as Product Development Leader (PDL), managing technical execution, team resources, budget, schedule, and program risks.
Lead development, verification, and qualification of laser hardware for spaceflight applications.
Provide technical direction and hands-on problem-solving through analytical studies and laboratory testing.
Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-performance flight hardware that meets mission requirements.
Serve as the technical authority for advanced electro-optical and laser-based spacecraft systems throughout design, development, integration, qualification, and flight deployment.
Lead technical risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies to support mission success, hardware reliability, and compliance with applicable aerospace standards and requirements.
Evaluate emerging photonics and electro-optical technologies and provide strategic recommendations to enhance spacecraft system performance, capability, and mission readiness.
Support qualification and acceptance testing for flight hardware.
Ensure compliance with applicable space or defense standards, such as NASA or ESA standards.
Participate in design reviews, including PDR and CDR, and customer technical interchange meetings.
Develop documentation packages for flight certification and mission assurance.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
Flexible spending account
Disability benefits
Paid time off
Flexible work schedule
Professional training and development
Potential additional compensation, which may include a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance