Senior Space Systems Engineer

KBR Careers; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR Careers in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a Senior Space Systems Engineer to provide SETA support to Space RCO. The role advises government program leadership on requirements development, architecture trades, risk assessment, and oversight of contractor performance, with rapid development of advanced space capabilities in a classified environment.

Responsibilities include coordinating with partners, evaluating technical deliverables, and preparing briefings for management and executive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied science, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant DoD/IC, Government, or industry experience in systems engineering or space systems.
• Experience with requirements development, interface definition, design trades, and schedule/risk management.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, classified environment with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions for complex space system projects, including mission payload and cryptographic systems.
• Lead or support technical programs requiring systems engineering oversight and coordination across multiple partners and agencies.
• Develop, refine, and assess requirements, interface needs, and engineering approaches from inception to delivery.
• Assess contractor plans and execution for risk to performance, schedule, budget, and quality; provide fact-based recommendations to Government customers.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support milestones and transition of systems into operational use.

Skills

Space systems engineering

DoD/IC experience

Requirements analysis

Independent work in classified env

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Senior Space Systems Engineer

KBR is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The selected candidate will advise Government program leadership on complex space system engineering activities, including requirements development, architecture and design trades, technical analysis, integration planning, risk assessment, and technical oversight of contractor performance, schedule, budget, and deliverable quality. This role supports rapid development and delivery of advanced space capabilities in a high‑tempo, classified mission environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support design, interpretation, and analysis of technical solutions for complex space system projects, including mission payload, cryptographic, communications, satellite, ground, and related subsystem interfaces.
• Lead or support technical programs, projects, and tasks that require systems engineering oversight, technical coordination, and integration across multiple partners and agencies.
• Develop, refine, and assess technical requirements, interface needs, design trades, and engineering approaches from project inception through execution and delivery.
• Assess contractor plans and execution for risk to technical performance, schedule, budget, quality, and mission outcomes; provide fact‑based recommendations to Government customers.
• Plan and perform engineering research, design development, technical studies, trade analysis, risk assessments, and other engineering assignments in conformance with customer requirements and specifications.
• Evaluate program, project, and task deliverables to determine whether technical outputs meet applicable quality standards, metrics, mission objectives, and intended warfighting purpose.
• Provide strategic advice, technical guidance, and subject matter expertise to program office personnel, project staff, and mission partners on systems engineering issues.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including operational units, mission partners, acquisition organizations, and engineering communities, to support delivery milestones and transition of systems into operational use.
• Prepare and support technical reviews, briefings, recommendations, reports, and decision materials for management and executive leadership.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly, concisely, and accurately in both oral and written form.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program objectives.

Qualifications

Required

• An active Top Secret clearance with SCI and SAP eligibility and willingness to undergo a polygraph is required; only a U.S. citizen can obtain this clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered only if permitted by contract requirements and approved by HR/Compensation.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant DoD/IC, Government, or industry experience in systems engineering, space systems, mission payloads, satellite communications, cryptographic systems, or related advanced mission systems.
• Experience supporting development, integration, fielding, or sustainment of complex satellite, payload, ground, communications, or cryptographic systems.
• Understanding of the space operational environment, mission‑user needs, system performance criteria, and mission constraints.
• Experience with technical requirements, interface definition, design trades, Integrated Master Schedules, technical risk management, and contractor deliverable assessment.
• Experience supporting DoD acquisition, program development, transition, or rapid prototyping environments.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, classified, mission‑focused environment with minimal supervision.

Desired

• Master’s degree in engineering, systems engineering, engineering management, or a related technical field.
• ABET‑accredited engineering degree or Professional Engineering license.
• At least five years of experience in SAP, SCI, or other highly classified mission environments.
• Prior SETA support to a Government program office.
• Experience with rapid prototyping, ACAT I/II acquisition programs, integrated air/space/cyberspace capabilities, or planning and executing space system test campaigns.
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community organizations and operational mission partner interfaces.
• Experience developing, deploying, integrating, or sustaining ground mission planning architecture or software.

Work Environment

• Location: On‑site
• Travel Requirements: Up to 30%
• Working Hours: Standard

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40 hrs

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.

EEO Statement

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.