Integrated Protection Strategy Engineer – Senior

KBR, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with company match

Professional development

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Senior Integrated Protection Strategy Engineer to lead collision avoidance design and validation for space assets. You will develop and validate algorithms, work with mission planning and operations teams, and shape enterprise safety standards in dynamic orbital environments.

The role requires deep expertise in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, with experience in tools like STK/FreeFlyer and a TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• Masters degree and 11 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise.
• Demonstrated expertise in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, or related aerospace engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency with conjunction assessment tools and orbital propagation software (e.g., STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with adjudicated polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of collision avoidance algorithms and decision-support tools.
• Perform conjunction assessments using industry-standard models to evaluate collision risk.
• Coordinate with mission operations teams to plan and execute avoidance maneuvers.
• Analyze orbital data and propagate trajectories to predict potential conjunctions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for collision avoidance processes and maneuver protocols.

Skills

Orbital mechanics

Astrodynamics

Aerospace engineering

Education

Master's degree in aerospace engineering

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Tools

STK

FreeFlyer

Orbital propagation software

Job description

Title:

Integrated Protection Strategy Engineer - Senior

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

KBR is seeking Integrated Protection Strategy Engineer - Senior, to lead the efforts to ensure safe and reliable operations of space assets through advanced conjunction assessment and mitigation strategies. This role involves developing, validating, and implementing collision avoidance algorithms, tools, and processes to protect critical systems in dynamic orbital environments. The engineer will collaborate with mission planning, flight dynamics, and operations teams to analyze risk and execute avoidance maneuvers when necessary. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership in complex problem-solving, and the ability to operate under strict timelines in high-stakes scenarios. This position offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-level safety standards and advance space situational awareness capabilities. This role is performed full-time on site at a government facility and is contingent upon contract award.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and validation of collision avoidance algorithms and decision-support tools.
• Perform conjunction assessments using industry-standard and proprietary models to evaluate collision risk.
• Coordinate with mission operations teams to plan and execute avoidance maneuvers.
• Analyze orbital data and propagate trajectories to predict potential conjunctions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for collision avoidance processes, including risk thresholds and maneuver protocols.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and analysts.
• Interface with external organizations (e.g., government agencies, commercial partners) for data exchange and coordination.
• Support anomaly resolution and post-event analysis for conjunction-related incidents.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for automation and accuracy in collision avoidance systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable standards, regulations, and best practices for space safety

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Masters degree and 11 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise, OR Bachelors degree and 12 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise, OR No degree and 14 years of relevant experience with demonstrated expertise.
• Demonstrated expertise in orbital mechanics, astrodynamics, or related aerospace engineering disciplines.
• Proficiency with conjunction assessment tools and orbital propagation software (e.g., STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent).
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance with adjudicated polygraph

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automated collision avoidance systems and large-scale space traffic management.
• Familiarity with international space safety standards and coordination protocols (e.g., CCSDS, ISO).

Basic Compensation:

$159,900.00 - $195,400.00 (this is for the Springfield, VA 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.

Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include a 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.

Ready to Make a Difference?

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.