Hypersonic Systems Engineer Level IV

KBR Careers; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 191,000 - 262,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR’s National Security Solutions team seeks a Hypersonic Systems Engineer IV to provide advanced technical leadership across end-to-end lifecycle of hypersonic vehicle systems, with emphasis on aero-thermo-structural performance in extreme environments. This contingent position supports U.S.

Government programs in national security and space defense, and involves design, analysis, integration, test, and mission support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• 8–12+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with aero-thermal, structural, or CFD tools.
• Experience with hypersonic systems or high-temperature materials.
• Active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead aero-thermo-structural analysis of hypersonic vehicles and launch systems.
• Perform multi-physics modeling and rapid data mapping across physics-based solvers.
• Conduct hypersonic vehicle trade studies.
• Execute ablation and high-temperature material analyses.
• Support design, development, and test of hypersonic systems.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop and validate system requirements.
• Support integration, test, and evaluation (I&T).
• Prepare technical briefings and documentation.

Skills

Aero-thermo analysis

CFD tools

Systems leadership

Education

B.S. Aerospace Engineering

M.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CFD tools

Job description

Title: Hypersonic Systems Engineer Level IV Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense. This is a contingent position based upon contract award.

Position Overview

The Hypersonic Systems Engineer IV provides advanced technical leadership in the design, analysis, and integration of hypersonic vehicle systems supporting U.S. Government programs. This role spans end-to-end system lifecycle activities, including concept development, detailed design, analysis, integration, test, and mission support, with emphasis on aero-thermo-structural performance in extreme environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead aero-thermo-structural analysis of hypersonic vehicles and associated launch systems
• Perform multi-physics modeling and rapid data mapping across physics-based solvers
• Conduct hypersonic vehicle trade studies
• Execute ablation and high-temperature material analyses
• Support design, development, and test of hypersonic systems
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams
• Develop and validate system requirements
• Support integration, test, and evaluation (I&T)
• Prepare technical briefings and documentation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred)
• 8–12+ years of relevant experience
• Experience with aero-thermal, structural, or CFD tools
• Experience with hypersonic systems or high-temperature materials
• Active Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with hypersonic flight testing
• Knowledge of ablation modeling
• Familiarity with launch integration and mission operations
• Experience leading technical teams

Work Environment

On-site/hybrid support across office, laboratory, and test facilities with occasional travel to government test sites.

Basic Compensation: $190,800 - $262,300

This range is for the Washington DC area only. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

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’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.