R&D Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc. • Chantilly, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking an innovative R&D Systems Engineer to join our team, providing critical technical services to the U.S. Government (USG). This role supports a dedicated USG Program Office focused on pioneering the next generation of national security space systems. You will provide Systems Engineering & Technical Advisory (SETA) support, concentrating on the research and development of revolutionary ground systems that command, control, and process data from advanced satellite constellations. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of cutting-edge satellite ground systems, with an emphasis on automation, processing, and orchestration. Your duties will include: Technical Analysis: Conduct in-depth technical analysis and review of ground system concepts, architectures, and technologies Review & Processing: Review and contribute to design, modeling, and analysis for orchestration, task scheduling, data processing. Evaluation & Optimization: Evaluate and optimize data processing workflows, from initial satellite downlink and data ingestion to final dissemination. Assess the integration of machine learning and AI technologies to enhance data exploitation and automate ground system functions. Lifecycle Support: Provide technical and programmatic expertise throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, design, development, integration and test (I&T), and transition to mission operations. Cost Analysis: Perform analysis of alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, and schedule. Innovation & Collaboration: Actively participate in an enterprise-wide R&D environment, contributing to and leveraging shared knowledge to advance organizational capabilities in satellite ground systems. Innovation Scouting: Curate state of the art technology for evaluation. If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together. KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, Master’s degree with 3+ years, or a PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in satellite ground system architecture, operations, and data processing.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for preparing written reports, leading group discussions, and delivering oral presentations.

Nice To Haves

• In-depth knowledge of systems engineering and integration as applied to satellite ground networks, command and control systems, and data processing pipelines
• Experience with satellite mission planning, autonomous tasking, contact scheduling, and resource management systems.
• Experience with space-to-ground communications links, data routing, and processing of overhead sensor data (e.g., SIGINT, IMINT).
• Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies applied to ground system automation, performance monitoring, or data analysis.
• Experience with system acquisition, design, development, I&T, or mission operations for satellite ground systems.
• Proficiency in system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for complex ground architectures.
• Familiarity with the IC mission, organizations, systems, and processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth technical analysis and review of ground system concepts, architectures, and technologies
• Review and contribute to design, modeling, and analysis for orchestration, task scheduling, data processing.
• Evaluate and optimize data processing workflows, from initial satellite downlink and data ingestion to final dissemination.
• Assess the integration of machine learning and AI technologies to enhance data exploitation and automate ground system functions.
• Provide technical and programmatic expertise throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, design, development, integration and test (I&T), and transition to mission operations.
• Perform analysis of alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, and schedule.
• Actively participate in an enterprise-wide R&D environment, contributing to and leveraging shared knowledge to advance organizational capabilities in satellite ground systems.
• Curate state of the art technology for evaluation.

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