Electro-Optical Engineer

KBR, Inc. • Greenbelt, MD

1d • $138,000 - $207,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. KBR is seeking an Optical Engineer to lead the assembly, characterization, and testing of high-fidelity optical hardware. This role requires a blend of laboratory expertise and analytical rigor to support both prototype development and commercial-grade optical systems. The ideal candidate will leverage previous experience supporting Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) flight projects to develop robust test procedures and custom data pipelines for next-generation optical technologies. The Optical Engineer will be responsible for: Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and alignment of complex prototype and commercial optical hardware. Conduct comprehensive characterization of optical systems using interferometry, imaging, and spectral analysis. Review/evaluate proposed optical designs to meet mission design and systems requirements. Develop custom analysis pipelines for automated data collection, calibration, and processing. Integrate and control a variety of laboratory hardware and electromechanical components. Translate high-level mission requirements into actionable laboratory test plans. Apply experience with flight-project standards to ensure data integrity, hardware safety, and mission success. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and optical interfaces. Support the technical team meetings, design reviews, in-house and out-of-house proposals included but not limited to various systems designs, systems standard interface and requirements, and standard of assembly, integration, test, and verification approach. Support system and subsystem integration and testing, including development and execution of Ground Readiness Tests, requirement verification prior to performing End-To-End tests with on-orbit missions and assisting with optical alignment, integration, and test. Provide calibration support as needed. Review vendor’s specs, methodologies, and fabrication plans. Assist in planning, preparations, and execution of the Project milestones and major reviews including preparing for and conducting Engineering Peer Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews. Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment. Write test procedures, plans & reports as necessary.

Requirements

• 5 to eight 8 years of experience in optical engineering, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory work.
• Knowledge in optical design/modeling using Zemax or Code V for Aerospace applications with experience in design of optical assemblies.
• Comfortable working in a cross-disciplinary environment to develop and implement new designs or help trouble-shoot existing ones.
• Capable of receiving guidance for working all phases of optical subsystems from the conceptual design layout, package prototyping, fixture/tooling design, development of mechanical attachment methods/tools for optimal optical alignment.
• Strong knowledge of optics fabrication and testing methods.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.

Nice To Haves

• History of working with spacecraft at NASA Goddard Space Flight center, or another NASA center.
• Deep understanding of GSFC/NASA flight hardware standards and cleanroom protocols.
• Ability to automate complex test equipment using Python-based hardware APIs or LabVIEW.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on assembly, integration, and alignment of complex prototype and commercial optical hardware.
• Conduct comprehensive characterization of optical systems using interferometry, imaging, and spectral analysis.
• Review/evaluate proposed optical designs to meet mission design and systems requirements.
• Develop custom analysis pipelines for automated data collection, calibration, and processing.
• Integrate and control a variety of laboratory hardware and electromechanical components.
• Translate high-level mission requirements into actionable laboratory test plans.
• Apply experience with flight-project standards to ensure data integrity, hardware safety, and mission success.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot complex electromechanical and optical interfaces.
• Support the technical team meetings, design reviews, in-house and out-of-house proposals included but not limited to various systems designs, systems standard interface and requirements, and standard of assembly, integration, test, and verification approach.
• Support system and subsystem integration and testing, including development and execution of Ground Readiness Tests, requirement verification prior to performing End-To-End tests with on-orbit missions and assisting with optical alignment, integration, and test.
• Provide calibration support as needed.
• Review vendor’s specs, methodologies, and fabrication plans.
• Assist in planning, preparations, and execution of the Project milestones and major reviews including preparing for and conducting Engineering Peer Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews.
• Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment.
• Write test procedures, plans & reports as necessary.

Benefits

• KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule.
• We support career advancement through professional training and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level