Space Vehicle Systems Engineer

KBR, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Paid time off

Opportunities for professional training and development

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer to support national security initiatives by designing and integrating spacecraft systems for a U.S. Government organization. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in space systems engineering, a relevant degree, and a TS/SCI clearance. Competitive benefits include medical coverage and a 401(k) plan with company match.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with current polygraph.
• 14+ years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree or 12+ years with a master's degree.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support to the Program Office Contracts Officer.
• Collaborate with contractors to validate objectives and meet mission milestones.
• Advise on technology gaps to improve mission performance.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and customer engagement skills

Ability to communicate complex technical subjects to senior decision makers

Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic integrated team environment

Experience with multiple satellite programs and system engineering integration and test

Experience with space systems design, development, assembly, integration, and testing

Leadership experience for projects

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, scientific, or technical discipline

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Space Vehicle Systems Engineer – KBR, Inc.

Join us as a Space Vehicle Systems Engineer and work on high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions for the intelligence and national security communities. In this role, you will play a key part in protecting national security by designing and integrating spacecraft systems for a major U.S. Government organization.

We are looking for an engineer to join our Proliferated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Communications, and Electro‑Optical (EO) team. You will deliver a complex space and ground system, working across spacecraft payload integration, bus design, and system testing.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative projects at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity.
• Collaborative environment fostering teamwork and innovation.
• Impactful work that shapes the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily support to the Program Office Contracts Officer and Contracts Officer Technical Representatives, acting as a trusted government agent.
• Engage with Space and Ground System Development contractors to validate objectives and meet mission milestones within cost, schedule, and performance constraints.
• Work with technical SMEs to provide expertise in system definition, requirements, development, and sustainment.
• Engage program stakeholders to define and communicate system, design, and interface requirements.
• Advise the government customer on technology gaps and maturity to improve mission performance.
• Build and present briefings and documentation on progress, risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Provide expertise in acquisition source‑selection activities.
• Evaluate contractor performance and reinforce engineering rigor.

Work Environment

• Location: On‑site
• Travel: Minimal
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance with current polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, scientific, or technical discipline and 14 years or more relevant experience, or Master’s degree and 12 years or more relevant experience.
• Experience with space systems design, development, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Experience with the Intelligence Community and/or the Department of Defense.
• Experience with IC architectures, spacecraft, and payloads.
• Leadership and primary point‑of‑contact experience for projects.
• Strong interpersonal and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to communicate complex technical subjects to senior decision makers.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic integrated team environment.
• Experience with multiple satellite programs and system engineering integration and test.
• Experience with early life‑cycle satellite engineering activities, assembly, integration, and test (AI&T), and launch and initialization (L&I) activities.

Benefits

KBR offers competitive lifestyle benefits, including a 401(k) plan with company match, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability, paid time off, flexible spending account, and opportunities for professional training and development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.