Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator

KBR, Inc.•Kihei, HI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security. KBR was selected to support the US Space Force/Air Force Research Laboratory’s ASTRO (Advanced Space Technology Research and Optimization) contract to provide mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades to the USSF’s Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) on top of the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala. The AMOS site plays a vital role in national security by monitoring man-made objects in space and continuously developing next-generation capabilities to keep pace with the expanding space domain. This presents an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of space and telescope technologies. The Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator is responsible for executing the full Tasking, Collection, Processing, and Dissemination (TCPD) workflow supporting the critical Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission requirements. This role integrates ground‑based telescope operations, high‑fidelity resolved imaging analysis, data processing, and customer‑focused reporting to deliver high‑quality assessments of satellites, spacecraft, and orbital activity. The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset, technical curiosity about space systems, exceptional attention to detail, train Operators to execute TCPD, and the ability to work in an operational, multi‑disciplinary environment.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance
High school diploma with 2+ years’ experience in intelligence domains (GEOINT, MASINT, SIGINT, or OSINT) and remote sensing is strongly recommended
A foundational understanding of satellite subsystems, structures, and a keen interest in the evolving space landscape
Strong critical thinking skills; you should be comfortable experimenting with new methodologies to solve “first-of-their-kind” challenges
Exceptional written and verbal skills, specifically the ability to produce intelligence-grade writing or scientific reporting with meticulous attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Foundational knowledge of Astrodynamics and Space Domain Awareness.
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Political Science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Execute tasking to schedule and manage satellite collection opportunities and site availability.
Understand and apply pass geometry, illumination conditions, elevation constraints, and sensor configuration requirements to ensure optimal Near Earth Imaging (NEI) collection quality.
Monitor tracking performance, focus stability, and correct configuration during active collections.
Apply proper Collection Codes to document schedule decisions, attempt status, acquisition results, and publishing outcomes.
Process NEI data through various data processing software and data pipelines.
Conduct image development adjustments (iterations, contrast, denoising, Multi-frame Blind Deconvolution (MFBD) parameters to ensure the highest possible interpretability and accuracy.
Select the “best frame” and prepare data products for publication following established SOPs, quality guidelines, and customer requirements.
Responsible for actively training and mentoring personnel in processing and collections.
Identify, classify, and analyze satellites, spacecraft, and debris using resolved NEI imagery.
Apply Space National Imagery Interpretation Rating Standards (SNIIRS) interpretability scales to evaluate object details, detect observables, and determine orientation, feature visibility, and structural components.
Compare objects against known configurations, expected behaviors, and mission context to detect anomalies, changes, or unusual activity.
Evaluate collection performance using Analyst Pass Ratings (Poor–Excellent) and SNIIRS ratings for image interpretability.
Document operational issues such as tracking instability, focus drift, seeing conditions, or hardware/software anomalies in real time.
Prepare clear, concise technical reports, imagery annotations, and data summaries for customers.
Work directly with government customers to understand their mission needs and adjust collection or processing strategies accordingly.
Review customer feedback to continuously improve data quality and workflow efficiency.
Collaborate with operators, analysts, engineers, and leadership to refine SOPs and ensure alignment with mission objectives