Launch Support SME

KBR Careers; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Launch Support SME in California to join the Hemisphere team. You will apply end-to-end spacecraft design knowledge and oversee launch planning, processing, and operations, coordinating with government and contractor teams.

The role requires active TS clearance with SCI eligibility, a relevant engineering degree, and 15+ years in space launch; a Master’s degree with 12+ years is highly desirable. Compensation reflects CA market and internal parity.

Qualifications

• Active TS clearance w/ SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major.
• Over 15 years of space launch experience (launch vehicle design, build, and test).
• Experience with classified spacecraft assembly, spacecraft transportation, and launch base processing integration and test.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and coordinates changes to specifications, ICDs, and system level requirements documentation for spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces and integration
• Tracks development issues and serves as an active participant SME in unit, subsystem, and system level design reviews
• Supports launch and spacecraft on‑orbit test as required
• Identifies and assesses emerging risks and develops and evaluates proposed burn‑down plans
• Reviews developer’s readiness to proceed into spacecraft test at various levels of assembly
• Collaborates with Government leadership team on integration roadblocks and risk mitigation plans for successful mission execution with launch schedules

Skills

Space launch experience

Collaborative work

Interpersonal skills

Customer service skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major

Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major

Job description

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Title

Launch Support SME

Launch Support SME

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 looking for a Launch Support SME to join our Hemisphere team. Candidates will possess technical expertise in end‑to‑end spacecraft design and the entire launch process from planning to execution to include, but not limited to, preparations for launch, launch processing, and launch operations. Candidate will be an integral participant in spacecraft to launch vehicle requirements, interface development, system integration, and validation and verification through extensive testing. Additional key areas of focus include spacecraft integration to new launch vehicle interfaces, reviewing and assessing launch planning; reviewing operations and safety documentation; verifying interface requirements; monitoring of factory and launch site operations; assisting in preparation and training of customer’s launch team; and participating in operations, training, and pre‑launch activities. Successful candidates will have a deep understanding of external factors such as contamination control, spacecraft preparations for transport to launch facility, and launch base processing and operations to include flight operations of space vehicles and the launch exercises necessary for launch team preparations.

Responsibilities Include

• Reviews and coordinates changes to specifications, ICDs, and system level requirements documentation for spacecraft and launch vehicle interfaces and integration
• Tracks development issues and serves as an active participant SME in unit, subsystem, and system level design reviews
• Supports launch and spacecraft on‑orbit test as required
• Identifies and assesses emerging risks and develops and evaluates proposed burn‑down plans
• Reviews developer’s readiness to proceed into spacecraft test at various levels of assembly
• Collaborates with Government leadership team on integration roadblocks and risk mitigation plans for successful mission execution with launch schedules

Required Qualifications

• Active TS clearance w/ SCI eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major
• Over 15 years of space launch experience (launch vehicle design, build, and test)
• Experience with classified spacecraft assembly, spacecraft transportation, and launch base processing integration and test

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related major with over 12 years of experience in space launch (launch vehicle, design, build, and test)
• Strong attention to detail with extensive understanding of end‑to‑end launch preparations, execution, test, and all required integration of interfaces
• Experience and familiarity in DoD and IC acquisition and program management processes
• Ability to work collaboratively with multi‑disciplined engineering teams at all levels of the customer organization to deliver results
• Strong networking, interpersonal, customer service skills, team building and problem‑solving skills with an ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment

Basic Compensation

$162,500 – $223,500 annually (This range is for the CA 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 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, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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