SME, Acquisition and Engineering

KBR Careers; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Lifestyle benefits

Career development

Job summary

KBR Careers invites a seasoned SME in Acquisition and Engineering to join the National Security Solutions team on-site in California. You will shape policy, lead strategic DoD software acquisition efforts, and guide documentation for boards and source selections.

The role demands 15+ years in DoD acquisition, TS clearance, strong analytical and communication skills, and experience with ACAT-like processes. You will coordinate cross‑agency interfaces and help manage high‑visibility programs.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in acquisition management and planning within DoD or related environments.
• Expertise in developing acquisition strategies and source selections.
• Understanding USSF policy, doctrine, and interagency processes.
• Knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• BA/BS in Science or related field.
• Active TS clearance; SCI eligibility with in-scope background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Craft strategic policy and initiatives in support of MW MT Director of Engineering.
• Provide expertise in software acquisition for DoD programs, including space control systems.
• Develop and coordinate documentation required for Defense Acquisition Boards and source selections.
• Offer strategic approaches for acquisition planning and execution, including AoA, ASP, ASD, J&A, RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, and incentive plans.
• Advise on government contracting and financial management processes.
• Support ongoing and emerging program acquisitions and schedule management for DoD programs.
• Identify program execution issues and recommend actionable solutions.
• Draft presentation materials, status briefings, and strategic communication inputs.
• Perform analyses of program business cases and risk assessments.
• Serve as an advisor during technical evaluations and source selections.

Skills

Acquisition management

DoD programs knowledge

Policy & doctrine

Financial management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Security clearance

Education

BA/BS in Science or related field

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

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.

Title

SME, Acquisition and Engineering

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.

Responsibilities

• Craft strategic policy and initiatives in support of MW MT Director of Engineering.
• Provide expertise in software acquisition for DoD programs, including classified ACAT-like space control systems.
• Develop and coordinate documentation required for Defense Acquisition Boards and source selections.
• Offer strategic approaches for acquisition planning and execution, including AoA, ASP, ASD, J&A, RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, and incentive plans.
• Advise on government contracting and financial management processes.
• Support ongoing and emerging program acquisitions and schedule management for DoD programs.
• Identify program execution issues and recommend actionable solutions.
• Draft presentation materials, status briefings, and strategic communication inputs.
• Perform analyses of program business cases and risk assessments.
• Serve as an advisor during technical evaluations and source selections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in acquisition management and planning within DoD or related environments. This includes at minimum an assignment with an operational unit, as well as a Headquarters Staff organization (or equivalent).
• Acquisition Strategy: Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections.
• Policy & Doctrine: Demonstrated expertise in USSF policy and doctrine, understanding of combatant command and service relationships, congressional affairs, and of the interagency process.
• Financial Management: Knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge: Understanding of Congressional Defense Committees.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• BA/BS in Science or related field is required.
• Active TS clearance, SCI eligible with an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI) is required.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related science or engineering field (e.g., systems engineering, software engineering).
• Strong understanding of ACAT I–III program management and milestone decision processes (pre-Milestone A through Milestone C).
• Previous experience as an evaluator/advisor on at least one source selection.
• Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and work independently on high-visibility, time-sensitive tasks.
• DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, and/or PgMP.
• Multiple assignments with Pentagon, major headquarters experience, and operations.
• Prior experience with Overhead Persistent Infrared, Missile Warning, Nuclear Detection, Missile Defense is desired.

Location

On-site

Travel Requirements

Moderate (20-50%)

Working Hours

Standard

Basic Compensation

$200-225k

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 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.