Lead Technologist, Directed Energy Systems

KBR Careers; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

medical

dental

vision

life insurance

AD&D

flexible spending account

disability

paid time off

flexible work schedule

Job summary

KBR Careers seeks a Chief Technologist for Directed Energy Systems to lead technical strategy across multiple HEL programs. You will guide system architectures, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in power, thermal, and integration challenges within a defense context.

The role requires broad engineering expertise in high-power defense systems and the ability to influence outcomes without owning every design decision. Strong leadership and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic/Systems Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience developing complex defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology systems.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
• Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and system architecture development.
• Experience supporting programs through design, integration, testing, and fielding.
• Ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with technical and business leadership to define and execute technology roadmaps aligned with customer needs and strategic objectives.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight across multiple directed energy and advanced technology programs.
• Support development of system architectures, technology strategies, and engineering approaches for current and future products.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to engineering teams, program managers, and executive leadership.
• Lead technical assessments, trade studies, and independent design evaluations.
• Identify technical risks, technology gaps, and opportunities for innovation and product differentiation.
• Provide subject matter expertise across a family of directed energy systems and supporting technologies.
• Support program teams during requirements development, design reviews, integration activities, troubleshooting efforts, and customer engagements.
• Assist engineering teams in resolving complex system-level challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, SWaP-C, and operational effectiveness.
• Support development and transition of technologies from research and prototyping into deployable products.
• Mentor systems, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across the organization.
• Foster engineering excellence and disciplined problem-solving.
• Support technical workforce development and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding technical talent.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, demonstrations, and strategic discussions.
• Support business development efforts through technical solution development, proposal reviews, and customer engagement.
• Help communicate technical vision and capabilities to customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Power systems

Thermal management

Directed energy

Cross-functional

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree in Engineering or Physics

Job description

KBR Careers seeks a Chief Technologist for Directed Energy Systems to lead technical strategy across multiple HEL programs. You will guide system architectures, mentor engineers, and drive innovation in power, thermal, and integration challenges within a defense context.

The role requires broad engineering expertise in high-power defense systems and the ability to influence outcomes without owning every design decision. Strong leadership and clear communication are essential.