Radar Payload Systems Engineer

KBR•Chantilly, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a Senior Radar Payload Systems Engineer to work on Government contracts in Chantilly, Virginia. The role contributes to the design, development, implementation, integration, testing, and delivery of radar hardware, software, and system solutions, including an advanced space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The position supports national security and space defense missions and involves technical work across radar hardware, algorithms, system integration, verification, and test. The engineer defines and documents RF front-end electronics and system architecture, performs engineering analyses and link-budget modeling, supports algorithm development, and assesses integration and test data across component, subsystem, payload, and space-vehicle levels. The role also evaluates system verification and validation, monitors vendor performance, performs functional analyses and project studies, and provides technical assistance and recommendations for resolving engineering problems. This is an on-site position with moderate travel (20% to 50%) to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations. Working hours are flexible, with support for standard Government work hours and surge support during integration and launch phases. An active TS/SCI clearance with current polygraph is required.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance with current polygraph.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related STEM technical discipline; specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
At least 8 years of experience supporting radar space-system hardware development, integration, and test.
Knowledge of remote-sensing technologies, including active and passive RF sensor systems, and the concepts, signal and image-processing algorithms, and software architectures that enable them.
Engineering software prototyping experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
Ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones, and review processes, with experience operating in this environment.
Hands-on experience with radar payload systems, interfaces, and Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) activities.
Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues clearly to senior Government leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline; a radar focus is highly preferred.
At least 10 years of experience supporting radar space-system hardware development, integration, and test.
Experience working across multiple satellite programs or production lines.

Responsibilities

Define and document RF front-end electronics and the architecture of an advanced space-based SAR radar system, including antenna arrays, receivers, and digital electronics.
Perform engineering tasks to develop systems that meet operational requirements within imposed constraints.
Conduct link-budget modeling and analysis and trade studies for hardware components.
Support algorithm and analytical development using scientific programming languages such as Python and MATLAB to process SAR and Moving Target Indicator data.
Analyze integration and test data at component, subsystem, payload, and space-vehicle levels to identify and resolve hardware design and manufacturing issues.
Assess verification and validation of system vendor testing at all levels to ensure requirements are met.
Monitor the system provider’s performance in designing, documenting, and verifying system interfaces.
Perform functional analyses to ensure systems meet performance criteria.
Formulate, recommend, and direct operations and procedures to resolve engineering and technical problems.
Conduct special studies and investigations related to projects.
Provide technical assistance and instruction related to design problems.
Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating, maintaining, and modifying systems.
Ensure solutions can be integrated into viable, complete systems.
Perform other duties as assigned.