BGAD: Construction Engineering Manager – Explosives Manufacturing ( Contingency )

KBR; Richmond (KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

KBR Benefits

Job summary

KBR is seeking an Energetics and Explosives Manufacturing Construction Engineer Manager to lead engineering progress for the Blue Grass Army Depot Energetics Center of Excellence explosives facility in Richmond, KY. You will manage resources, standardize processes, and supervise staff to support commissioning of the plant.

This hybrid on-site role requires DoD experience, ability to obtain a Secret clearance, and U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering from an ABET accredited University.
• Prior Engineering Manager experience.
• 10+ years in senior engineering leadership and large-scale U.S. government contracts.
• Experience across mechanical, electrical, and process engineering disciplines on DoD/military projects.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site engineering progress for the explosives manufacturing facility.
• Oversee design, installation, and commissioning of process equipment and systems.
• Ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements, standards, and contracts.
• Manage schedules, risks, resources, and project deliverables.
• Coordinate with program management, customers, and subcontractors for successful execution.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to engineers and technical staff.
• Support proposal development, engineering reviews, and technical documentation.

Skills

Leadership

DoD PM

Program management

Risk management

Root cause analysis

Team mentoring

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

Title:

BGAD: Construction Engineering Manager – Explosives Manufacturing ( Contingency )

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

Program Summary

KBR’s Chemical Plant & Munitions program supports critical national defense and government missions through the execution of complex manufacturing, construction, and commissioning efforts, into manufacturing operations. The program operates in highly regulated environments and requires close coordination between customers, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver safe, compliant, and high‑quality outcomes across the program lifecycle.

Job Summary

KBR is searching for an Energetics and Explosives Manufacturing Construction Engineer Manager whose primary function is managing engineering progress for the construction of the new Blue Grass Army Depot Energetics Center of Excellence explosives manufacturing facility. This position will be responsible for leading the strategic execution of engineering and process equipment installation for successful commissioning of the Manufacturing plant at completion. As the Engineering Manager, you will be tasked with managing engineering resources, standardizing/optimizing processes, fostering team development and establishing/maintaining customer relationships. This position will include supervisory responsibilities, being responsible for employee performance appraisals, coaching /developing lower-level professionals, providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers, making decisions on engineering problems/methods, and may represent the organization with customers and at tradeshows. Depending on workload, the role may be tasked with leading with engineering tasks on highly visible projects. This is a hybrid work position that requires to be on-site in Richmond, KY. Relocation assistance available.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering progress on site.
• Oversee subcontractors as they develop design, implementation, integration, and sustainment of complex construction and process equipment.
• Ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements, engineering standards, and contractual obligations.
• Manage engineering schedules, technical risks, resource allocation, and project deliverables.
• Coordinate with program management, customers, subcontractors, and technical stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to engineering personnel.
• Support proposal development, technical reviews, engineering documentation, and strategic planning efforts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and ensure engineering solutions align with mission objectives and customer expectations.
• Must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance
• Must be a US citizen.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Systems Engineering from an ABET accredited University.
• Previous experience as an Engineering Manager.
• 15 years of demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and sustaining enterprise-wide, large-scale information systems.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience with multiple engineering disciplines related to mechanical, electrical, and process engineering on U.S. Federal contracts involve Munitions and Chemical Plant construction.
• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in a senior engineering leadership position.
• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience managing teams or subcontractors engaging in large scale new construction for the U.S. government.
• Experience in DoD program/project management including program development and transition.
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedules, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects involving:
  • Energetics Manufacturing
  • Explosives Manufacturing
  • Chemical Manufacturing
  • Other Munition Manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams, manage technical resources, and oversee multiple engineering initiatives while ensuring successful project execution.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise with root cause analysis and implanting change recommendations

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience supporting complex Department of Defense
• Master’s Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited University.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience with multiple engineering disciplines related to mechanical, electrical engineering, optical and software engineering
• Professional Engineering License (PE).
• Extensive experience in the coordination and oversight of large scale subcontractor work.
• Travel may be required to support manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customers.

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 foster an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

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.