SR Systems Engineer (SETA)

KBR Careers; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer (SETA) in Chantilly, VA to provide expert SETA support for space and counterspace programs. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, ensure mission alignment, and maintain rigorous systems engineering across lifecycle stages in a DoD/IC context.

The role requires a TS/SCI clearance, 12+ years of SE experience, and a track record with DoDAF/MBSE. On-site work in Chantilly with minimal travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field (Systems/Space/EE/CE).
• 12+ years of systems engineering experience with space/counterspace/ISR systems.
• Experience with DoD/IC standards and SE processes (requirements, design, integration, testing).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide SETA support to government program managers with independent assessments.
• Lead development, integration, and optimization of space system architectures.
• Oversee requirements development, verification, validation, and configuration management.
• Conduct technical evaluations, design trade studies, and risk assessments.
• Direct end-to-end lifecycle engineering activities from concept to sustainment.
• Coordinate with intelligence analysts, operators, and mission partners.
• Assess contractor performance and ensure compliance with DoD/IC standards.
• Support integration of SDA, counterspace, and ISR into enterprise architectures.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and program baselines.

Skills

Space systems engineering

Threat-driven engineering

Independent oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering

Tools

DoDAF

MBSE tools

Job description

Title SR Systems Engineer (SETA)

KBR is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer (SETA) to support our customer in Chantilly, VA. The Senior Systems Engineer Expert serves as a SETA advisor providing high‑level technical expertise to our customer's mission. This role delivers independent systems engineering oversight, ensuring that government interests are protected throughout the design, development, integration, and sustainment of mission‑critical space systems. The engineer will guide multi‑disciplinary teams and contractors across the full systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring technical rigor, mission alignment, and compliance with DoD and Intelligence Community standards. The position requires deep expertise in space system architectures, threat‑driven engineering, and the evaluation of emerging technologies for operational relevance. As a SETA professional, the engineer will work closely with government leadership, program offices, and mission partners to ensure resilient, effective, and future‑ready space capabilities.

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: Join 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.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Provide SETA support to government program managers, offering independent technical assessments, engineering oversight, and acquisition support for space and counterspace programs.
• Lead the development, integration, and optimization of space system architectures aligned with our customers mission objectives.
• Oversee system requirements development, verification, validation, and configuration management across complex multi‑domain systems.
• Conduct technical evaluations, design trade studies, and risk assessments to inform government decision‑making.
• Direct end‑to‑end lifecycle engineering activities, including concept development, prototyping, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Coordinate with intelligence analysts, operators, and mission partners to ensure system capabilities align with evolving threat environments.
• Assess contractor performance, technical deliverables, and engineering artifacts to ensure compliance with DoD, IC, and mission‑specific standards.
• Support integration of space domain awareness (SDA), counterspace capabilities, and ISR systems into enterprise architectures.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, engineering baselines, and program‑level systems engineering artifacts.

Work Environment

• Location: Chantilly, Va and Reston, VA [On-site]
• Travel Requirements: Minimal
• Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week

Basic Compensation

$175,000 - $220,000

This range is for the Virginia area only. 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 12+ years of systems engineering experience, including direct work with space, counterspace, or ISR systems within the DoD or Intelligence Community.
• Demonstrated expertise in systems engineering processes, including requirements development, architecture design, integration, and testing.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance with eligibility for a polygraph.
• Experience with DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF), MBSE tools, or similar engineering frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

• Master’s degree in Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of experience supporting space or counterspace programs within the Intelligence Community or national security space enterprise.
• Experience with advanced modeling and simulation tools, digital engineering environments, or space domain awareness systems.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

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

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.

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