Ground Systems Engineer - SETA Advisor for National Security

KBR, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR, Inc. in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Ground Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) for a classified program.

You will act as a technical advisor to Government, overseeing ground segment architecture, hardware systems, and end-to-end command and control infrastructure to ensure development, integration, test, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems for national security space operations.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline).
• 9+ years of relevant experience supporting ground/space or national security programs.
• Experience with ground segment hardware architectures and C2 systems.
• Experience with system integration, verification, and obsolescence management.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent engineering assessment of ground segment hardware architecture, design, integration, and operational performance.
• Review and evaluate contractor‑developed system specifications, ICDs, and technical baselines to ensure compliance with requirements and mission needs.
• Support Government oversight of ground system integration, test, and verification, including Factory and Site Acceptance Test activities.
• Assess and advise on end-to-end system performance, ensuring interoperability across spacecraft, payload, ground, and enterprise interfaces.
• Evaluate contractor readiness for program milestones and life cycle reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, ORR).
• Identify and assess technical risks, issues, and program impacts, and evaluate mitigation and burn‑down strategies.
• Provide oversight of requirements traceability, verification closure, and system sell‑off activities in accordance with Government standards.
• Support configuration and change management processes, including Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and baseline control.
• Coordinate resolution of discrepancy reports (DRs) and support Government prioritization and adjudication.
• Assess system sustainment considerations, including hardware reliability, obsolescence, and lifecycle supportability.
• Collaborate across directorates, mission partners, FFRDCs, and contractors to ensure integrated mission success.
• Prepare and deliver technical assessments, briefings, and decision support materials for Government leadership.
• Advise Government stakeholders on ground system architecture, integration strategies, and verification methodologies.

Skills

Systems engineering

Ground systems integration

Technical advisory

Executive briefing

Cross-organizational collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or related discipline)

Tools

Cisco Flex Modems

IC acquisition frameworks

Job description

KBR, Inc. in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Ground Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) for a classified program.

You will act as a technical advisor to Government, overseeing ground segment architecture, hardware systems, and end-to-end command and control infrastructure to ensure development, integration, test, and sustainment of mission-critical ground systems for national security space operations.