R&D Systems Engineer

Trinzic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Flexible spending account

Paid time off

Job summary

KBR seeks an innovative R&D Systems Engineer to support a USG program, providing SETA support and developing advanced satellite ground systems. The role emphasizes automated processing, orchestration, and data analytics to enable secure, reliable operations.

You will lead lifecycle activities from concept through transition, integrating AI/ML enhancements and collaborating across disciplines in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in satellite ground system architecture, operations, and data processing.
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-depth technical analysis of ground system concepts, architectures and technologies.
• Support design, modeling, and analysis for orchestration, scheduling and data processing.
• Evaluate and optimize data workflows from downlink to dissemination; explore AI/ML enhancements.
• Provide lifecycle support across concept, system definition, acquisition planning, I&T, and operations.
• Conduct cost analysis to optimize performance, cost and schedule.
• Collaborate in enterprise R&D to advance satellite ground system capabilities.
• Curate state-of-the-art technology for evaluation.

Skills

Security clearance

Satellite ground system

Analytical skills

Communication

Data processing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Title:

R&D Systems Engineer

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

KBR is seeking an innovative R&D Systems Engineer to join our team, providing critical technical services to the U.S. Government (USG). This role supports a dedicated USG Program Office focused on pioneering the next generation of national security space systems. You will provide Systems Engineering & Technical Advisory (SETA) support, concentrating on the research and development of revolutionary ground systems that command, control, and process data from advanced satellite constellations.

Responsibilities:

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of cutting-edge satellite ground systems, with an emphasis on automation, processing, and orchestration. Your duties will include:

• Technical Analysis: Conduct in-depth technical analysis and review of ground system concepts, architectures, and technologies
• Review & Processing: Review and contribute to design, modeling, and analysis for orchestration, task scheduling, data processing.
• Evaluation & Optimization: Evaluate and optimize data processing workflows, from initial satellite downlink and data ingestion to final dissemination. Assess the integration of machine learning and AI technologies to enhance data exploitation and automate ground system functions.
• Lifecycle Support: Provide technical and programmatic expertise throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, design, development, integration and test (I&T), and transition to mission operations.
• Cost Analysis: Perform analysis of alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, and schedule.
• Innovation & Collaboration: Actively participate in an enterprise-wide R&D environment, contributing to and leveraging shared knowledge to advance organizational capabilities in satellite ground systems.
• Innovation Scouting: Curate state of the art technology for evaluation.

Basic Compensation:

$135,000 - $203,000 USD annually

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Work Environment:

• Location: On-Site
• Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications:

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
• Education: Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, Master’s degree with 3+ years, or a PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Skills: Demonstrated expertise in satellite ground system architecture, operations, and data processing.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Analytical Skills: Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for preparing written reports, leading group discussions, and delivering oral presentations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ground Systems Engineering: In-depth knowledge of systems engineering and integration as applied to satellite ground networks, command and control systems, and data processing pipelines
• Tasking & Scheduling: Experience with satellite mission planning, autonomous tasking, contact scheduling, and resource management systems.
• Communications & Data: Experience with space-to-ground communications links, data routing, and processing of overhead sensor data (e.g., SIGINT, IMINT).
• Automation & AI/ML: Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies applied to ground system automation, performance monitoring, or data analysis.
• Lifecycle Experience: Experience with system acquisition, design, development, I&T, or mission operations for satellite ground systems.
• Modeling & Simulation: Proficiency in system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for complex ground architectures.
• Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with the IC mission, organizations, systems, and processes.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

KBR Benefits

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

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.