Software Systems Engineer

KBR•El Segundo, CA

8d•$121,000 - $151,000•Onsite

About The Position

KBR is seeking a Software Systems Engineer in El Segundo, California, to support systems engineering and integration activities for next-generation satellite communications systems serving the U.S. Space Force. The position works in a multidisciplinary, collaborative team supporting the Space Systems Center’s MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test effort. It involves working with government personnel, contractors, and Space Force stakeholders to integrate complex space and ground communications systems and support secure, survivable communications for warfighters. The engineer provides systems engineering and integration leadership to Government and Department of Defense stakeholders for software-intensive mission capabilities. The role emphasizes defining, decomposing, and validating requirements for contractor software deliverables and integrating systems across DoD programs and operational environments. It is suited to a senior engineer who can serve as a technical integrator, driving interfaces, verification, risk reduction, and deployment alignment across contractors and DoD environments. The position is on-site, with minimal travel and standard 40-hour workweeks. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. The California salary range is approximately $121,000–$151,000, with the offer based on qualifications and internal parity. KBR may also provide additional compensation, such as bonuses or relocation benefits, under applicable policies. KBR notes that its Mission Technology Solutions business is expected to spin off as Trinzic in January 2027; employees who join before the separation will transition to Trinzic without needing to reapply.

Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in software systems engineering or software integration, including requirements definition and integration leadership across teams.
Demonstrated experience in software systems engineering, including requirements decomposition, architecture definition, interface specifications, verification strategy, and integration oversight.
Strong understanding of secure software development lifecycles, secure design principles, and incorporating security requirements early in the lifecycle.
Experience with service-oriented architectures, microservices, and designing or assessing secure APIs and data interfaces.
Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity processes, including RMF awareness and technical artifacts supporting ATO, as applicable to software.
Ability to work across software, systems, and cybersecurity teams and align Government stakeholders and prime contractors.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and brief clear recommendations, risks, and options to non-developer stakeholders.
Ability to manage competing priorities in regulated, mission-driven environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Active Secret or higher clearance.
Experience working with or deploying software to DoD networks, classified environments, or mission systems.
Familiarity with DoD-aligned DevSecOps frameworks.
Knowledge of STIG hardening, security controls, and vulnerability management tools.
Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerized deployment strategies, including operation in disconnected or restricted networks.
Experience with AWS GovCloud and/or Azure Government environments.
Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for Agile planning and documentation.
Experience implementing Agile development methodologies in government or defense programs.
Background in systems integration, Interface Control Documents, or system-of-systems engineering.
Systems engineering or program management certifications such as CSEP, ESEP, PMI, or PMP.

Responsibilities

Provide engineering analysis and systems engineering and integration leadership for secure software applications supporting DoD mission planning and operations, emphasizing integration oversight.
Serve as the Government’s technical integrator across PTS-G software elements and other Space Force and DoD product teams, ensuring interoperability, data flow, message correctness, and operational alignment.
Coordinate with prime contractors and stakeholders to define mission use cases, system constraints, and integration priorities within governed DoD environments.
Develop, refine, and manage software and interface requirements for prime contractors, including interface requirements and message or data definitions such as schema and API expectations.
Produce and maintain Government technical artifacts, including Interface Control Documents, Interface Requirements Specifications, verification cross-references, requirements traceability, test objectives, evaluation criteria, and acceptance measures.
Plan and oversee software integration into restricted DoD operating environments, including air-gapped and classified deployments, considering sustainment constraints, network limitations, and accreditation requirements.
Coordinate software deployment and integration with Government teams and primes using DoD-aligned DevSecOps pipelines, including automated testing, security scanning, artifact management, and compliant delivery processes.
Ensure end-to-end integration supports mission workflows requiring cross-domain data transport when applicable, and that interfaces are testable and operationally supportable.
Define and lead software integration verification strategy, including integration test approach, exit criteria, defect triage, and readiness recommendations for Government decisions.
Recommend architecture and tooling improvements to enhance integration reliability, repeatability, and sustainment readiness.
Develop and present decision packages, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to customers; facilitate technical interchange with prime contractors and Government teams.
Mentor engineers on secure integration patterns, interface discipline, verification rigor, and defense software engineering practices.
Lead and support working groups, including technical discussions, risk and requirements-gap identification, briefings, action-item tracking, and meeting minutes.

Benefits

401(k) plan with company match
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
AD&D coverage
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 performance payments