Mission Planning Systems Engineer
About The Position
KBR is seeking a Mission Planning Systems Engineer to join its MILSATCOM Systems Engineering and Integration team in El Segundo, California. The role supports Space Systems Command as a KBR subcontractor, providing engineering solutions for intelligence, national security, and space missions. The engineer will lead the architecture, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical satellite mission planning systems, guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and serve as a primary interface with government and industry partners. The work supports the Space Force's acquisition of satellite communications systems that enable secure, survivable, and protected communications. It involves planning access and allocating resources across complex space and ground communications systems, using modern tools and methodologies in a collaborative, small-team environment. The position is onsite, with moderate travel and standard 40-hour workweeks. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
Requirements
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
- 10 or more years of experience in systems engineering.
- 5 or more years of experience in mission planning, satellite resource allocation, or scheduling systems engineering.
- Deep understanding of satellite communications concepts, including link budgets, frequency and bandwidth allocation, and terminal-satellite access.
- Ability to coordinate with numerous stakeholders and customers.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personnel in a dynamic team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Nice To Haves
- Active Secret clearance or higher.
- Master's degree in a technical field such as engineering, mathematics, physics, or computer science.
- Systems Engineering certification, such as INCOSE ASEP or CSEP.
- Experience with MILSATCOM programs such as AEHF, EPS, WGS, PTES, PTS, and FAB-T terminal programs.
- Experience with mission planning or scheduling software tools and algorithm development, such as optimization, deconfliction, or constraint-based scheduling.
- Knowledge of orbital mechanics and satellite coverage analysis tools such as STK.
- Programming or scripting experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar languages for planning tool support and automation.
- Knowledge and experience with Jira and Confluence.
- Experience working with military and DoD civilian clients.
- Experience and familiarity working on a government space systems program.
- Experience working on a Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) contract.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain requirements for mission planning systems supporting MILSATCOM resource allocation, access scheduling, and payload configuration.
- Support engineering of mission planning tools for satellite access planning, terminal-to-satellite resource assignment, and frequency and bandwidth allocation.
- Analyze and model satellite coverage, link availability, and communications resource conflicts across MILSATCOM constellations such as AEHF, WGS, and MUOS.
- Support development and refinement of scheduling and deconfliction algorithms for competing mission planning requests.
- Develop and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) between mission planning systems, satellite control networks, and terminal segments.
- Support integration of mission planning software with satellite command and control (C2) and TT&C systems.
- Perform trade studies evaluating mission planning tool architecture, automation approaches, and system performance.
- Support Verification and Validation (V&V) of mission planning software and algorithm updates.
- Evaluate and document system risks associated with mission planning capabilities, coordinating mitigation strategies with government stakeholders.
- Support technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, and TRR, related to mission planning system upgrades and sustainment.
- Coordinate with RF engineering, flight dynamics, and satellite operations teams on link budget, orbital geometry, and resource availability inputs.
- Support cybersecurity compliance for mission planning systems, including RMF/ATO documentation as applicable.
- Prepare technical documentation, briefings, and reports for government program office review.
- Collaborate with prime contractors, other support contractors, government civilians, and members of the U.S. Space Force.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- AD&D
- Flexible spending account
- Disability benefits
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional training and development
- Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
