Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME

KBR Careers; Bath Township (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking an Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME to support AFLCMC F&AA in acquiring F-22 systems. The role focuses on analyzing EO/IR systems and developing strategies to drive successful acquisitions, with extensive collaboration across a diverse team.

Location is Wright-Patterson AFB, OH—on-site with ~30% travel. Requires a TS clearance, 20+ years in systems engineering, and deep EO/IR knowledge to guide milestone reviews, MBSE, and program documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Applied Science with 20+ years in systems engineering or a related field.
• Active Top Secret clearance.
• Advanced knowledge of EO/IR systems and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Engineering Integration: leverage senior-level expertise to integrate advanced capabilities into existing systems for ACAT I programs.
• Collaborate on Requirements Verification: develop and refine the Requirements Verification Matrix for each version Release, ensuring objectives are met.
• Provide Insight at Milestone Reviews: attend milestones, deliver in-depth analysis and recommendations for technical decisions.
• Analyze Engineering Data for Selloff: review designs, lab data, and flight test results to validate requirements.
• Resolve Design Defects: assess defects and coordinate resolutions with stakeholders.
• Advance Technology Transition: document and support transition of emerging tech from labs to acquisition phases.
• Review and Refine Documentation: input during engineering document reviews for accuracy.
• Shape Acquisition Efforts: contribute to SOWs and CDRLs to meet program needs.
• Evaluate Industry Solutions: assess OEM responses to RFIs for capability to meet KPIs.
• Drive MBSE: support MBSE development to integrate tech into aircraft models.

Skills

EO/IR systems

Systems engineering

MBSE

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Applied Science

Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Fighter and Advanced Aircraft (F&AA) Directorate plays a pivotal role in equipping the U.S. Air Force advanced fighter aircraft capabilities. The directorate oversees the comprehensive lifecycle management of fighter platforms. This role provides opportunities to contribute to the cutting-edge F-22 program supporting the sustainment and modernization of a critical defense asset and ensures they meet evolving operational demands. KBR is seeking an experienced Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer to support the acquisition of the F-22 systems and subsystems. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in analyzing EO/IR systems and developing systems engineering strategies to drive successful acquisitions. You'll work collaboratively with a diverse team, promoting innovation, disciplined problem-solving, and excellence at every stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Systems Engineering Integration: Leverage senior-level expertise to integrate advanced capabilities into existing systems, ensuring seamless support for Acquisition Category (ACAT) I programs critical to mission success.
• Collaborate on Requirements Verification: Partner with program office personnel to develop and refine the Requirements Verification Matrix for each new version Release, ensuring compliance with operational and technical objectives.
• Provide Insight at Milestone Reviews: Attend key systems engineering milestone reviews, deliver in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations to drive informed technical decisions.
• Analyze Engineering Data for Selloff: Review comprehensive engineering designs, lab data, and flight test results to validate and approve Raptor Release requirements, ensuring robust capability fielding.
• Resolve Design Defects: Assess and recommend solutions for identified design defects, collaborating with stakeholders to coordinate resolutions that meet operational standards.
• Advance Technology Transition: Document and support the transition of emerging technologies from research labs to integration and acquisition phases, enabling rapid fielding of cutting-edge capabilities.
• Review and Refine Documentation: Provide critical input during engineering document reviews, ensuring accuracy and alignment with program objectives.
• Shape Acquisition Efforts: Contribute engineering expertise to the development of Program Statements of Work and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) to ensure contract deliverables meet program needs.
• Evaluate Industry Solutions: Assess OEM responses to Requests for Information (RFI), determining their capability to meet or exceed Key Performance Parameters.
• Drive Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE): Support MBSE development to integrate innovative technologies into aircraft platform models, enhancing design efficiency and system integration.

Work Environment

Location: On‑Site, The primary place of performance for this role is Wright‑Patterson AFB, OH. Due to the requirement to work in a secure facility, remote work opportunities will be minimal.

Travel Requirements

Moderate ~30%

Working Hours

Standard

Standard Qualifications Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Applied Science with a minimum of 20 years of experience in systems engineering or a closely related field
• Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance
• Advanced knowledge and recognized ability in EO/IR systems Comprehensive understanding of EO/IR systems standards, procedures, and practices Ability to perform tasks and oversee efforts of junior and journeyman personnel

Desired Qualifications

• 10 Years of Department of Defense (DoD) / Department of War (DoW) experience Master’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline Familiarity with F-22 platform and avionics systems Program Management Professional (PMP) certification INCOSE Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) credential Extensive experience in DoD weapon systems engineering and acquisition processes Specialized expertise in U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft systems or aerospace engineering

KBR Culture

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. 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.