Senior Mission Planning Systems Engineer

KBR•El Segundo, CA

27d•$191,900 - $239,800•Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Senior Mission Planning Systems Engineer to join its team in El Segundo, California. The role supports Space Systems Command as part of the MILSATCOM Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) team, leading the architecture, integration, and sustainment of mission-critical satellite mission planning systems. The engineer will guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and serve as a primary interface with government and industry partners on complex mission planning engineering challenges. The work supports the Space Force’s acquisition of satellite communications systems that provide secure, survivable, and protected communications. The team develops capabilities for planning access and allocating resources across complex space and ground communications systems. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance. The position is onsite in El Segundo, California, with moderate travel and standard, 40-hour-per-week full-time hours. The stated salary range for El Segundo is approximately $191,900–$239,800; the offered rate depends on the selected candidate’s qualifications and internal parity. KBR may provide additional compensation, potentially including bonuses, sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short- or long-term incentives, or discretionary payments. Benefits may include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, flexible spending account, disability coverage, paid time off, flexible work schedule, and professional training and development. KBR’s Mission Technology Solutions business is planned to spin off into an independent company, Trinzic, expected in January 2027. Employees who join that business before the spin-off are expected to transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete without needing to reapply.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field.
15 or more years of experience in systems engineering.
10 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-to-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 with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for planning tool support and automation.
Knowledge and experience with Jira and Confluence.
Experience working with military and DoD civilian clients.
Experience or 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 and coordinate 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 U.S. Space Force personnel.
Guide technical direction, mentor engineers, and serve as a primary interface with government and industry partners.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
AD&D insurance
Flexible spending account
Disability coverage
Paid time off
Flexible work schedule
Professional training and development
Potential bonuses, commissions, or other compensation, including sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, short- or long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance