System/Controls Engineer

KBR • Huntsville, AL

13h

About The Position

Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our HEL programs support the U.S. Department of Defense in developing, integrating, testing, and fielding cutting-edge laser weapon systems that enhance national security and deliver decisive battlefield advantages. These efforts require deep technical expertise in controls engineering, systems integration, and real-time performance of laser subsystems under demanding operational conditions. The System / Controls Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, integration, and performance verification of control systems that support High Energy Laser weapon platforms. This position involves working across hardware, software, and system-level interfaces to ensure reliable, safe, and high-precision operation of HEL subsystems—including beam control, power and thermal management, safety interlocks, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces. The engineer will collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers, mechanical engineers, test teams, and program leadership to advance HEL capabilities from concept through fielding.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related disciplines.
• Hands-on experience developing and analyzing control systems (PID, model-based control, sensor fusion, real-time control).
• Experience working with sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, or embedded control hardware.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, or similar.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
• U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience with High Energy Laser, directed energy, optical, or precision pointing systems.
• Background in real-time systems, embedded software, FPGA-based control, or high-speed data acquisition.
• An understanding of electro-optical systems, beam control technologies, or thermal/power systems.
• Knowledge of DoD systems engineering processes, requirements development, and verification/validation.
• Experience with computer vision algorithms, image processing, and closed loop video tracking.
• Prior experience supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, or OSD HEL programs.
• Active DoD Secret or Top-Secret clearance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks and support multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and analyze control systems for HEL subsystems (beam control, pointing & tracking, power/thermal control, diagnostics, safety systems, etc.).
• Define system and subsystem requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture for control and automation functions.
• Implement control algorithms, signal processing routines, and feedback loops to achieve precision laser performance.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, control hardware, and embedded software into HEL testbeds and fielded systems.
• Conduct modeling and simulation of control loops, system dynamics, and performance predictions.
• Support system integration, laboratory testing, field testing, and troubleshooting of HEL prototype and operational systems.
• Analyze system data to identify performance issues, root causes, and optimization opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with DoD standards, safety requirements, and program technical baselines.
• Work with cross-functional engineering teams to support design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making.
• Generate technical documentation, test procedures, test reports, and design artifacts in accordance with program requirements.

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
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees