ANTARCTICA: SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead

KBR, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Flexible work schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

KBR, Inc is seeking a SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead to oversee the transition and operation of critical communications in Antarctic programs. The role demands hands-on field experience with satellite, RF, HF, and radio systems to ensure reliable connectivity for mission-critical operations.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in antenna systems, cabling, and network infrastructure, with the ability to manage complex transitions and coordinate across technical teams in austere

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting telecommunications or communications systems infrastructure.
• Experience with satellite communications (SATCOM), RF, HF, and/or land-mobile radio systems.
• Experience supporting telecommunications networks and infrastructure in operational environments.
• Knowledge of antenna systems, cabling infrastructure, and equipment installation/maintenance.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of communications infrastructure including HF/RF, LMR, SATCOM and telecoms systems.
• Oversee Black Island Telecommunications Facility, antennas, and wire/cable plant transitions.
• Manage RF spectrum management activities, including frequency planning and regulatory compliance.
• Assess performance, reliability and readiness of communications services and infrastructure.
• Provide technical oversight and recommendations to ensure mission-critical capabilities.
• Support field activities involving communications equipment and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful transition and continuity.

Skills

SATCOM

RF & HF

LMR

Antenna systems

Troubleshooting

Field experience

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical discipline

Job description

ANTARCTICA: SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead

KBR delivers innovative solutions to a wide variety of Government and commercial customers across the globe. We are guided by our vision and values to bring together the best and brightest to deliver technology and solutions that help our customers accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In doing so, we strive to create a better, safer and more sustainable world.

Program Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The USAP supports all U.S. scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica and aboard USAP vessels that operate along the continental margin and in the Southern Ocean. Science within the Antarctic research portfolio is chosen and funded by NSF and other Federal agencies, including NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy. The purpose of the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) is to enable that science. All participants are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority. This includes compliance with all ASESC environmental health & safety, and quality assurance requirements.

Job Summary

The SATCOM / Communications Packet Lead serves as the subject matter expert responsible for the transition, assessment, and operational oversight of critical communications infrastructure supporting Antarctic operations. This mission-critical role ensures continuity and reliability of satellite communications, HF/RF networks, land-mobile radio systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and spectrum management capabilities that serve as Antarctica's primary connection to the outside world. The position provides technical leadership for the transition of communications assets, including the Black Island Telecommunications Facility, antenna systems, wire and cable plant infrastructure, and RF spectrum management processes. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with hands‑on field experience in remote, austere, or expeditionary environments and possesses a strong understanding of telecommunications operations, radio frequency systems, and satellite communications technologies.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of communications infrastructure, including HF/RF, land-mobile radio (LMR), SATCOM, and telecommunications systems.
• Oversee the transition of the Black Island Telecommunications Facility, antenna systems, and wire/cable plant infrastructure.
• Manage and coordinate RF spectrum management activities, including frequency planning and regulatory compliance.
• Assess the performance, reliability, and operational readiness of communications services and infrastructure.
• Provide technical expertise, oversight, and recommendations to ensure mission‑critical communications capabilities are maintained.
• Support field activities involving communications equipment, antenna systems, and telecommunications infrastructure as required.
• Collaborate with operational and technical stakeholders to ensure successful transition and continuity of communications services.

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation.
• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline; equivalent military or professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of experience supporting telecommunications or communications systems infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience with satellite communications (SATCOM), RF, HF, and/or land‑mobile radio systems.
• Experience supporting telecommunications networks and communications infrastructure in operational environments.
• Knowledge of antenna systems, cabling infrastructure, and communications equipment installation and maintenance.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving communications systems issues.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and communications system documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting communications systems in remote, austere, expeditionary, military, or research environments.
• Knowledge of RF spectrum management, frequency coordination, and FCC regulations.
• Hands‑on experience with antenna rigging, tower work, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Familiarity with fiber, copper, and wire/cable plant systems.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., FCC GROL, CCNA, Network+, ETA).
• Experience with systems transition, integration, or technical project leadership.

KBR 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.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

Equal Opportunity Statement

KBR is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

KBR — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World

KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values:

• We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
• We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology‑led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
• We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business.
• We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision‑makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.
• We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company.
• We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.
• Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.