Senior Electro-Optical Systems Engineer

Trinzic; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 171,000 - 257,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to support the NASA GSFC MIST contract in Greenbelt, MD. The role spans from concept development to flight qualification, with a focus on remote sensing systems, radiometric modeling, calibration test techniques, and data processing. Candidates must be a U.S.

Citizen or Permanent Resident. Responsibilities include electro-optical design, development and test of active and passive sensors; developing models; coordinating with users and applications

Qualifications

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Optical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 12+ years of experience as an electrical and/or electro-optical engineer in the aerospace arena.
• Experience with BRDF measurements, fiber optics, spectroscopy, integrated photonics, laser communication systems and RF photonics.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience using Zemax or Code V for aerospace applications with optical assemblies and precision mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test electro-optical sensor systems for spaceflight applications.
• Develop radiometric models of remote sensing instruments and error sources.
• Coordinate with end users and applications development to design system enhancements.
• Perform FMEA and Hazard Analysis for functional safety to identify and mitigate risks.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations; write test procedures, plans and reports.

Skills

Radiometry

Zemax/Code V

Optical design

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

MS in Electrical/Electro-Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Title:

Senior Electro-Optical 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.

Position Summary

KBR is seeking a Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to support the MIST Contract with NASA at Goddard Space Flight Center. The Senior Electro-Optical Engineer will work on projects from inception at the concept development stage to completion at the product space flight qualification stage. The position requires a specialist's level of knowledge in the design and laboratory testing of remote sensing systems and knowledge of radiometric modeling, radiometric calibration test techniques and algorithms, and level one data processing algorithms and techniques.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Responsibilities:

• Conduct the electro-optical design, development, and test of both active and passive remote sensor systems and subsystems for making difficult and complex measurements for science and exploration spaceflight applications for both autonomous and human-rated systems.
• Responsible for the administration, design, selection and modification of the required electro-optical system applications and the development of systems requirements and verification methods.
• Develop radiometric models of remote sensing instruments and error sources.
• Interacts with end users to resolve engineering design issues and limitations, provide solutions, and coordinate with applications development to design system enhancements as necessary.
• Performs laser related Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) as well as Hazard Analysis for functional safety to identify, manage and reduce risks.
• Possesses both theoretical and experimental expertise in radiometry, radiometric calibration techniques, infrared detectors, programming, data acquisition and processing, and atmospheric spectroscopy.
• Possesses knowledge of electromagnetic sources, such as lasers and blackbodies, along with the means of optically collecting and detecting these sources. The development and deployment of advanced remote-sensing measurement systems is by nature a multi-disciplinary activity which involves a group of individuals with wide ranging skills and abilities. Interpersonal skills, communication skills, and team skills are essential.
• Performance monitoring and enhancements and Validation of performance via NIST calibration of Check Samples. Bidirectional Scatter Distribution Function calibration related experience is a plus.
• Work with Mechanical & Systems Engineers, thermal/structural engineers, customers, and vendors to produce opto-mechanical system development projects in cross-functional engineering teams
• Work with other engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality engineers in a team environment
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, provide inputs to the project schedule and support project level reviews
• Write test procedures, plans & reports as necessary

Required Education, Experience, & Skills:

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering, Electro-Optical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 12 + years of experience as an electrical and/or electro-optical engineer in the aerospace arena.
• Experience with one or more of the following: BRDF measurements, fiber optics, fiber lasers, spectroscopy, integrated photonics, laser communication systems and RF photonics.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong knowledge in using Zemax or Code V for Aerospace applications with experience in design and/or analysis of optical assemblies and precision mechanisms.
• Knowledge of detectors, detector systems, fiber optics and the design and development of laser systems is desired
• Experience in the development and qualification of Flight Electro-Optical Systems
• Comfortable working in a cross-disciplinary environment to develop and implement new designs or help trouble-shoot existing ones.
• Knowledge of optics fabrication and testing methods.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in accordance with company values.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology is strongly desired
• Knowledge of optical metrology and interferometry
• Knowledge of optical coating design, process and inspection
• Knowledge in using Zemax or Code V for Aerospace applications with experience in design and/or analysis of optical assemblies and precision mechanisms.
• Experience in the development and qualification of Flight Optical Systems is preferred

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from $171,400- $257,100. Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate’s working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, 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.

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.

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Belong, Connect and Grow at KBRAt 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.