Sr RF Systems Engineer

KBR Careers; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 183,000 - 274,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Sr RF Systems Engineer to support national security initiatives, focusing on space-ground communication networks and RF/laser links. You will provide SETA services, evaluate architectures, and guide design reviews across space and ground segments to ensure mission success.

The role requires active TS/SCI with polygraph, advanced degrees, and strong briefing/writing skills to coordinate with defense and intelligence teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with current Polygraph
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline
• Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline
• PhD and 9 years’ experience
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, programmatic, and problem-solving skills
• Strong briefing and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment
• Familiarity with defense and intelligence acquisition, budget planning and contracting
• RF and laser communication expertise and/or familiarity

Responsibilities

• Evaluate enterprise-level architecture designs and program integration solutions and provide recommendations.
• Attend design reviews and program management reviews; assess design maturity, requirements compliance and provide recommendations.
• Perform independent reviews of contractor communication designs for mission needs satisfaction.
• Prepare and Review test plans and verification/validation plans.
• Ensure compliance and provide feedback.
• Monitor enterprise and system test and review data.
• Monitor contractor risk and track mitigation progress.
• Identify emerging technical and programmatic risks and advise mitigation.
• Develop relationships with Contractor counterparts and experts.
• Provide SETA support in design, development, testing of RF and laser systems.

Skills

RF systems

Laser communications

System architecture

Technical briefing

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline

PhD with 9+ years experience

Job description

Title: Sr RF Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! 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. We are seeking a Senior Communications Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) services to our government customer. This position supports space and ground communication networks for multiple satellite systems, that are currently in development and in orbit. It provides subject matter expertise to an evolving communications infrastructure and requires close collaboration with developers and a cross-domain team.

Responsibilities include supporting interface development, providing technical support to the communications architecture, and assisting with ongoing operations and anomaly resolution.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate enterprise-level architecture designs and program integration solutions and provide recommendations.
• Attend Enterprise, System, Subsystem and Segment level design reviews and program management reviews; assess design maturity, requirements compliance and provide informed technical recommendations.
• Perform independent reviews of contractor communication designs to verify satisfaction of mission needs (Requirements, CONOPs, constraints, etc).
• Prepare and Review test plans and procedures and verification and validation plans for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance and provide feedback.
• Monitor enterprise and system test and review verification/validation data.
• Monitor contractor level risks and track mitigation progress.
• Proactively identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks to the Program Office and recommend mitigation approaches.
• Develop productive relationships with Contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other subject matter experts.
• Provide SETA support in the design, development, and testing of RF (Ka, Ku, S, etc) and laser communication systems.
• Demonstrates expertise and/or familiarity of: Space-to-space, space-to-ground, and ground-to-ground communication networks Mesh architecture Internet Protocols International Telecommunications Union (ITU) frequency allocation rules Cryptography implementation and Information Assurance accreditation

Benefits

• 401K plan with company match
• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• AD&D
• flexible spending account
• disability
• paid time off
• flexible work schedule

Work Environment

Location: On-site

Travel Requirements: Minimal

Working Hours: Standard

Basic Compensation

Basic Compensation: $183,000 - $274,000 USD annually The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI with current Polygraph
• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline with 15 years related experience
• Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline 12+ years related experience
• PhD and 9 years’ experience
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, programmatic, and problem-solving skills
• Strong briefing and writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment
• Familiarity with defense and intelligence acquisition, budget planning and contracting
• RF and laser communication expertise and/or familiarity

Equal Opportunity 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.

Company Overview

KBR brings together the best and brightest to deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most critical missions and objectives. In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential. We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity. We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business. We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed. We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments. Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company. We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals. Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

About KBR – Delivering Solutions, Changing the World

KBR – Delivering Solutions, Changing the World.