Precision Cleaning Engineer

KBR, Inc.•Laurel, MD

22h•$112,500 - $168,800•Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Contamination Control Engineer to analyze, develop, and evaluate contamination control solutions supporting spaceflight hardware and high-reliability systems. This role ensures compliance with contamination and material performance requirements through engineering analysis, system-level planning, and verification activities including but not limited to: Physical hands-on cleaning, aqueous degreasing and solvent flushing on spacecraft materials including metals, composites and polymers with varying surface finishes Conducting outgassing and material analysis Verifying cleanliness through particulate counts, non-volative residue and black light (UV) inspection Providing support and guidance to precision cleaning, inspection, and verification processes to meet mission goals Reviewing contamination control plans Outlining cleanliness standards and verifying results The engineer will evaluate hardware specifications and contamination requirements to determine appropriate cleaning, processing, and verification methods. Responsibilities include planning and assessing testing activities such as outgassing analysis, particulate and molecular verification, and material compatibility. The role requires interpreting results, assessing hardware acceptability, and making engineering recommendations based on applicable standards. This position performs contamination-related risk assessments and develops mitigation strategies across the hardware lifecycle. The engineer applies industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, and IEST to ensure compliance and consistent performance, and evaluates new materials and processes to improve outcomes. The role provides technical oversight of precision cleaning and verification processes, ensuring alignment with engineering requirements. The engineer analyzes data, solves complex problems, and exercises independent judgment in applying engineering principles and standards. The contamination engineer will work independently with minimal guidance while collaborating across engineering, quality, and program teams. Strong communication skills are required to present technical findings and support decision-making. The role requires demonstrated ability to assess risk, solve complex problems, and exercise independent judgment and discretion. Strong collaboration skills are essential, along with willingness to support occasional extended hours or travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, materials science, or a related field
6–7 years of relevant experience
At least 5 years of experience in control, including experience with space flight hardware
Working in cleanroom environments supporting high-reliability hardware
Familiarity with precision cleaning and contamination verification methods
Ability to analyze data, interpret standards, and develop engineering recommendations

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree
Experience supporting spaceflight hardware
Familiarity with vacuum and outgassing standards
Knowledge of ISO 14644 or IEST cleanliness standards

Responsibilities

Physical hands-on cleaning, aqueous degreasing and solvent flushing on spacecraft materials including metals, composites and polymers with varying surface finishes
Conducting outgassing and material analysis
Verifying cleanliness through particulate counts, non-volative residue and black light (UV) inspection
Providing support and guidance to precision cleaning, inspection, and verification processes to meet mission goals
Reviewing contamination control plans
Outlining cleanliness standards and verifying results
Evaluate hardware specifications and contamination requirements to determine appropriate cleaning, processing, and verification methods.
Planning and assessing testing activities such as outgassing analysis, particulate and molecular verification, and material compatibility.
Interpreting results, assessing hardware acceptability, and making engineering recommendations based on applicable standards.
Performing contamination-related risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies across the hardware lifecycle.
Applying industry standards such as ASTM, ISO, and IEST to ensure compliance and consistent performance.
Evaluating new materials and processes to improve outcomes.
Providing technical oversight of precision cleaning and verification processes, ensuring alignment with engineering requirements.
Analyzing data, solving complex problems, and exercising independent judgment in applying engineering principles and standards.
Working independently with minimal guidance while collaborating across engineering, quality, and program teams.
Presenting technical findings and supporting decision-making.
Assessing risk, solving complex problems, and exercising independent judgment and discretion.
Supporting occasional extended hours or travel.