Missile Systems Engineer Level IV

KBR Careers; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR’s National Security Solutions team seeks a Missile Systems Engineer Level IV to lead design, integration, and lifecycle management of missile systems for U.S. Government programs. You will drive system architecture, requirements, and verification across complex defense platforms.

The role covers GNC, propulsion, structures, and payload integration with rigorous design reviews and test activities. On-site/hybrid work in a security-conscious environment applies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8–12+ years of missile systems or aerospace engineering experience.
• Experience with system design, integration, and analysis.
• Familiarity with missile subsystems (GNC, propulsion, structures, avionics).
• Experience supporting DoD or defense programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of missile and weapon systems.
• Develop and manage system and subsystem requirements with full traceability.
• Conduct system-level trade studies and performance analyses.
• Support guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion, structures, and payload integration.
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and provide technical recommendations.
• Lead verification and validation (V&V) activities for system requirements.
• Support integration, test, and evaluation (I&T), including flight testing.
• Interface with government customers, stakeholders, and subcontractors.
• Resolve technical issues and provide engineering solutions.
• Prepare and present technical briefings, reports, and documentation.

Skills

Missile systems

System design

Requirements traceability

DoD programs

GNC knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MBSE tools

Digital engineering

Job description

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 Missile Systems Engineer Level IV provides advanced technical leadership in the design, integration, and lifecycle management of missile and weapon systems supporting U.S. Government programs. This role spans system architecture, requirements development, integration, test, and mission execution across complex, high-performance defense systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of missile and weapon systems
• Develop and manage system and subsystem requirements with full traceability
• Conduct system-level trade studies and performance analyses
• Support guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), propulsion, structures, and payload integration
• Support design reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and provide technical recommendations
• Lead verification and validation (V&V) activities for system requirements
• Support integration, test, and evaluation (I&T), including flight testing
• Interface with government customers, stakeholders, and subcontractors
• Resolve technical issues and provide engineering solutions
• Prepare and present technical briefings, reports, and documentation

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• 8–12+ years of experience in missile systems or aerospace engineering
• Experience with system design, integration, and analysis
• Familiarity with missile subsystems (GNC, propulsion, structures, avionics)
• Experience supporting DoD or defense programs
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience supporting missile flight testing programs
• Knowledge of hypersonic or high-speed weapon systems
• Familiarity with MBSE or digital engineering tools
• Leadership or task lead experience

Security Clearance

Active Secret required (TS/SCI preferred or eligible)

Work Environment

On-site/hybrid environment supporting office, lab, and test facilities with occasional travel to test ranges and launch sites.

Basic Compensation

$135,600 - $186,400 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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

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.

Company Culture & Values

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. 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.