Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Flight Hardware Development)

Trinzic; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR's Mission Technology Solutions is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer (Flight Hardware Development) to lead hardware design and testing for space missions, including ISS experiments. You will generate requirements, supervise design reviews, and mentor engineers while collaborating across cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to spaceflight standards. The position requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering with extensive flight hardware experience, NASA/DoD

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years related experience, 12+ years in flight hardware.
• Experience with NASA, NASA contractor or DoD.
• Leadership experience of technical personnel performing complex engineering activities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including presenting information to customers.
• Mentoring younger engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide design review oversight and guidance to engineers for projects assigned.
• Perform requirements/specifications generation and definition, hardware conceptual design and test, hardware detailed design and test, hardware assembly/fabrication and qualification support.
• Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work on major projects.
• Support ISO/AS9100/CMMI activities and audits.
• Work within a team environment and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Design review

Requirements generation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Title: Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Flight Hardware Development)

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.

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will participate in the development of the hardware components of ground and flight hardware systems that will contribute to accomplishing NASA's mission. This hardware is to be used primarily to maintain the health and well-being of astronauts or conduct experiments on the International Space Station and exploration. The Senior Mechanical Engineer is expected to have high aptitude in mechanical design; concern with producing hardware of the highest quality; and have the capacity to understand and utilize the major concepts of mechanical engineering as well as having a general understanding of the integration of Mechanical engineering principles that will enable the successful interface with engineers performing work in these disciplines. The Senior Mechanical Engineer is expected to:1) Have extensive knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices and be able to apply that knowledge to make independent decisions on a broad range of space-related engineering problems2) Independently evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures and criteria and use judgement to make decisions to provide engineering solutions to problems. The Senior Mechanical will receive technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.3) Serve in technical leadership roles4) Have work reviewed to ensure sound profession judgment has been employed and participate in the review of others work to ensure the quality of that work5) Perform mechanical engineering work including, but not limited to, requirements generation and definition, hardware conceptual design and test, hardware design and test, hardware detailed design and test, hardware, assembly/fabrication, hardware acceptance and qualification test support, hardware operations support for assigned projects in the Design Engineering and Fabrication Section.6) Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions and work with limited to minimal supervision.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for compliance with Safety, Health, and Environmental plan; must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and the Company's safety policies/rules. Must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
• Responsible for compliance with the Quality Assurance plan, policies and procedures
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance level as determined by the Company
• Responsible for completing all assigned training
• Know and adhere to company policies, procedures, and work rules, demonstrate a strong work ethic and demonstrate involvement and commitment to the continuous improvement process
• Commitments are met, and all are done to the highest quality standards.
• Follow established procedures and generate finished work products under time and budgetary constraints and ensures product yields the expected outcome and meets established quality levels.
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Ability to understand and execute process and procedures
• Well-developed skills in both written and verbal communication
• Mentoring of younger design engineers
• Provide design review oversight and guidance to engineers for projects assigned.
• Perform assigned tasks in requirements/specifications generation and definition, hardware conceptual research, design and test, hardware preliminary design and test, hardware detailed design and test, hardware assembly/fabrication, hardware acceptance and qualification test support, and hardware operations support of assigned projects.
• Plan, schedule, conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major project or in a total project of moderate scope
• Perform work that involves conventional engineering practices but may include a variety of complex features and difficult coordination requirements
• Application of engineering principles and practice of related specialties
• Ability to communicate with all levels of contract management, peers and customers
• Support ISO/AS9100/CMMI activities and audits
• Ability to determine/track/report project tasking and to status technical, budget, schedule and risks
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCEREQUIRED

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 10 years related experience, with average experience of 15+ years with at least 12 years in flight hardware development
• Previous working experience with NASA, NASA contractor or DOD
• Demonstrated success in working within complex projects in a dynamic environment
• Experience in developing hardware/products for extremely integrated projects
• Mentoring younger engineers
• Experience in troubleshooting hardware issues
• Capable of identifying risks and issues, reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options for mitigation and implement solutions
• Comprehensive knowledge of disciplines within engineering and how to apply appropriate expertise within human spaceflight programs
• Experience with NASA systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill including presenting information to customers
• Leadership experience of technical personnel performing complex engineering activities

DESIRED

• Experience in troubleshooting mechanical issues
• Working Knowledge of electrical
• Experience in machine shop estimation and production planning

SKILLS/TRAININGREQUIRED

• Able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing (MS Office tools)
• Able to work in a team environment
• Able to develop and clearly communicate information to technical forums
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead and motivate personnel to high standards of performance and increase efficiency.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with project managers, project leads, peers, customers, and with contract colleagues is essential.
• Mature, professional judgment in establishing design artifacts, objectives, milestones and priorities.
• Experience with configuration and data management processes
• Reliable and dependable work habits and the dedication to get the job done.

DESIRED

• Familiarity with NASA or DoD Work Instructions; Experience with NASA systems

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’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

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.