Junior Optical Engineer / Optical Physicist

KBR • Kihei, HI

7d • $78,300 - $107,600 • Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking an enthusiastic Junior Optical Engineer / Optical Physicist to support the ASTRO contract on Maui. The role supports the design, integration, analysis, testing, and operational support of advanced electro-optical systems, telescope assets, and mission-critical sensor technologies used for space domain awareness, satellite tracking, astronomical observations, and optical measurement missions.

The position requires foundational knowledge of mathematics and optics to support optical system design, alignment, performance characterization, adaptive and active optics, optical instrumentation, and telescope operations. The engineer works with scientists, engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel to improve system performance and availability, and to integrate new technologies and sensors into existing observatory architectures. The role applies a systems-engineering approach that balances mission requirements, operational constraints, and technical risk while supporting customer and mission needs.

KBR’s ASTRO contract provides mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades to the U.S. Space Force’s AMOS site in Maui, Hawaii. The primary work location is Haleakala, with occasional work in Kihei offices. Routine telescope operations and maintenance are supported, along with responses to real-world events. Schedules are forecast as far in advance as possible, but upgrades, maintenance, or significant tests may require non-traditional schedules. Schedule flexibility and alternative work schedules are supported when compatible with contract requirements.

KBR’s Mission Technology Solutions business is planned to spin off as the independent company Trinzic, expected in January 2027. Employees who join the business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic upon completion of the separation and will not need to reapply.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience supporting optical, electro-optical, astronomical, or space-surveillance systems.
• Strong background in optical design, optical physics, imaging systems, and telescope instrumentation.
• Strong mathematical skills and understanding of basic optics, including physical optics, geometric optics, and instrumentation, gained through formal study and job experience.
• Experience with optical alignment, calibration, and testing through formal study and job experience.
• Strong communication, organizational, and customer-engagement skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication style for different audiences and develop clear, concise written materials.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Astronomy, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting observatory, telescope, remote-sensing, or space-domain-awareness missions.
• Ability to perform engineering analyses and translate findings into operational solutions.
• Experience developing technical documentation, test plans, and engineering reports.
• Familiarity with systems-engineering principles and lifecycle-support activities.
• Experience with large-aperture telescopes, astronomical instrumentation, or space-surveillance systems.
• Experience using Zemax, Code V, FRED, MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering and optical-analysis tools.
• Knowledge of adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, image processing, and advanced sensor technologies.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support design, analysis, and optimization of optical systems, telescope subsystems, sensor architectures, and electro-optical instrumentation.
• Perform optical modeling, tolerance and stray-light analyses, image-quality assessments, and system performance evaluations.
• Support integration, alignment, calibration, and testing of telescopes, imaging sensors, laser systems, and related optical hardware.
• Evaluate observatory and sensor performance and identify opportunities for modernization, enhancement, and risk reduction.
• Assess optical performance and develop solutions to improve sensitivity, resolution, tracking accuracy, and mission effectiveness.
• Conduct laboratory and field testing to validate system performance requirements and operational readiness.
• Support anomaly investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective actions for optical and electromechanical system issues.
• Collaborate with software, controls, mechanical, electrical, systems, and operations engineering teams.
• Develop technical specifications, interface requirements, test plans, design documentation, and operational procedures.
• Support integration of new sensors, instruments, and mission capabilities into operational observatory environments.
• Develop and maintain system performance models and recommend improvements to reliability and operational uptime.
• Keep current with advances in optical engineering, imaging systems, telescope technologies, and space-surveillance capabilities.
• Collaborate with operators, maintenance personnel, engineering teams, and external stakeholders in support of Government mission priorities.
• Assist with requirements definition, technical solution evaluation, and implementation planning for evolving mission needs.
• Support off-nominal operations, assess system readiness, integrate advanced sensor technologies, and identify and mitigate technical risks.
• Provide responsive engineering support and maintain customer satisfaction while applying scientific rigor and engineering judgment to operational challenges.

Benefits

• Schedule flexibility and alternative work schedules when compatible with contract requirements.
• Potential additional compensation, which may include sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

What This Job Offers

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