GNC Engineer - Hybrid (TS/SCI Clearance)

kbr; United States; On-site; USD 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a GNC Engineer to design, develop, test, and operate advanced aerospace GNC systems. The role spans development and flight/operational execution with emphasis on control, navigation, and real-time decision making.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in orbital mechanics, flight software, and real-time environments. Remote work with limited travel to onsite locations is offered.

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI Clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong foundation in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics, control systems, and state estimation.
• Experience with flight software or embedded systems.
• Ability to operate in real-time or near-real-time environments.
• Proven capability to work under pressure and make timely, sound decisions.
• Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Design, development, testing, and real-time operation of GNC algorithms and architecture.
• Review and guide flight software design to improve system performance and robustness.
• Evaluate system behavior across all mission phases (ascent, on-orbit, entry, proximity operations).

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Astrodynamics

Control systems

State estimation

Guidance algorithms

Vehicle dynamics

Telemetry analysis

Flight software experience

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Flight software / embedded systems

Job description

Title: GNC Engineer - Hybrid (TS/SCI Clearance)

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

Position Summary- Hybrid

THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTRACT AWARD

We are seeking a GNC Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and real-time operation of advanced aerospace systems. This role bridges engineering development and flight/operational execution, requiring strong technical depth, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to translate complex system behavior into actionable decisions. The ideal candidate brings experience across flight dynamics, control systems, software interaction, and operational environments.

This is a remote position with limited, business-need driven travel to onsite locations.

Key Responsibilities

• GNC System Development & Integration Support design, analysis, and verification of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms and architecture
• Review and guide flight software design to improve system performance, robustness, and operability
• Evaluate system behavior across full mission phases (e.g., ascent, on-orbit, entry, proximity operations)

Operational Readiness & Real-Time Support

• Develop and execute operational concepts for GNC systems in mission or test environments
• Monitor vehicle performance and make time-critical recommendations during dynamic operations
• Support anomaly resolution, fault response strategies, and contingency planning

Requirements, Tools & Procedures

• Define system and console requirements for monitoring and commanding GNC subsystems
• Develop operator displays, telemetry utilization strategies, and command interfaces
• Maintain flight rules, procedures, and operational documentation

Testing & Validation Support

• Support system-level testing (integrated labs, simulations, hardware-in-the-loop environments)
• Participate in verification of telemetry, command pathways, and system responses
• Contribute to development and validation of contingency commanding capabilities

Required Qualifications

• TS/SCI Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred) and 10+ years of experience
• Strong foundation in: Orbital mechanics / astrodynamics
• Control systems and state estimation
• Guidance algorithms and vehicle dynamics
• Experience working with: Flight software or embedded systems
• Real-time or near-real-time operational environments
• Telemetry analysis and command/response systems
• Demonstrated ability to: Operate effectively under pressure and make timely, sound decisions
• Communicate complex technical issues clearly and concisely
• Work across multidisciplinary teams
• Must be a U.S Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting mission operations or system operations in a control center or similar environment
• Background in anomaly resolution, fault detection/isolation/recovery (FDIR), and contingency operations
• Familiarity with simulation environments, integrated test labs, or hardware/software validation
• Experience developing procedures, flight rules, or operator tools
• Prior experience training or certifying personnel in technical or operational roles

What Sets a Strong Candidate Apart

• Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end GNC capabilities (not just analysis, but how the system is used )
• Ability to connect engineering design decisions to real-world operational impacts
• Proven performance in high-stakes, time-critical environments
• Strong judgment, accountability, and credibility with both engineers and operators
• Comfort operating in \"gray space\" where processes aren't fully defined

Basic Compensation

Jobs on this contract range from $133,900 - $200,800.

Additional Compensation

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

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 of 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, nati