Radar Payload Systems Engineer

KBR Careers; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

Job summary

KBR National Security Solutions in Chantilly, Virginia seeks a Senior Radar Payload Systems Engineer to design, develop, implement and test radar hardware, software and systems for government contracts.

The role emphasizes RF front-end architecture, acquisition modeling, algorithm development in MATLAB/Python, and rigorous test and integration activities with on-site travel. A strong background in radar hardware with government contracting knowledge is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied physics, or related STEM discipline.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph preferred.
• Experience in radar space system hardware development, integration and test.

Responsibilities

• Define RF front-end electronics and architecture for a space-based SAR radar system.
• Develop systems to meet operational requirements within constraints.
• Perform link-budget modeling and component trade studies.
• Develop algorithms using Python, MATLAB to process SAR data and MTI.
• Assess test data across component, subsystem, payload and space vehicle.
• Verify and validate system vendor testing at all levels.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure interfaces are documented.
• Conduct studies and provide technical instruction for design problems.
• Analyze project requirements and advise on operation and maintenance of systems.

Skills

Radar hardware experience

Remote sensing knowledge

Matlab/Python prototyping

System testing

Acquisition modeling

Communication with leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or related STEM

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Radar Payload Systems Engineer 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.

Position Summary

KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Radar Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, Virginia. The selected candidate for this position will contribute to the design, development, implementation, integration, testing and delivery of radar hardware, software, and systems solutions for Government contracts.

Responsibilities

• Radar Hardware Development: Define and document the RF front-end electronics and architecture of an advanced space-based SAR radar system, including the antenna arrays, receivers, and digital electronics.
• Engineering Tasks: Perform engineering tasks to develop systems capable of meeting operational requirements within imposed constraints.
• Acquisition Modeling Support: Perform rigorous link-budget modeling and analysis and conduct trade studies for hardware components to ensure mission success.
• Algorithm Development. Support algorithm and analytical development using a variety of scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, etc.) to process synthetic aperture radar data (SAR) and Moving Target Indicator (MTI).
• Test Data Assessments: Analyze and assess integration and test data at the component, subsystem, payload, and space vehicle segments to identify and resolve issues with hardware design and manufacturing.
• V&V Processes: Assess the verification and validation of system vendor testing at all levels to ensure the radar system meets its requirements.
• Vendor Performance Monitoring: Monitor the system provider’s performance in designing, documenting, and verifying all interfaces within the system.
• Functional Analyses: Perform functional analyses to ensure systems meet performance criteria.
• Operations and Procedures: Formulate, recommend, and direct operations and procedures to resolve engineering and/or technical problems.
• Conduct Studies: Conduct special studies and investigations related to projects.
• Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and instruction related to design problems.
• Project Requirements Analysis: Analyze project requirements and provide information and instruction for designing, operating, maintaining, and modifying systems.
• Solutions Integration: Ensure that solutions can be integrated into viable, complete systems.
• General: Perform all other duties as assigned.

Work Environment Location: On-Site Travel Requirements: Moderate (20% to 50%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations. Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work hour support and surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance (with current polygraph).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied physics, or a related STEM technical discipline.
• Specific contract requirements regarding education and experience will prevail.
• Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 8+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration, and test.
• Remote Sensing Knowledge: Knowledge of remote sensing technologies including active and passive sensor systems which operate in the RF regime, and the concepts, signal and image processing algorithms and software architectures that enable these systems.
• Prototyping Experience: Engineering software (prototyping) experience in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Established Client Relationship Skills: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
• Government Contracting Understanding: Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and federal acquisition regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones and review processes, and success in operating within this environment.
• System Test: Hands‑on experience with radar payload systems, interfaces, and Assembly, Integration and Test (AI&T) activities.
• Business Management Tools Proficiency: Ability to work with standard business management tools and financial systems, MS Office, and project management software.
• Work‑style Flexibility: Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
• Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to communicate technical issues clearly to senior Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a related STEM technical discipline. Radar focus in this degree is highly preferred.
• Relevant Radar Hardware Experience: Demonstrated 10+ years of experience supporting radar space system hardware development, integration and test is preferred.
• Breadth of Experience: Experience working across multiple satellite programs or production lines is preferred.

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.

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.

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.

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.