Strategic ICD Engineer

KBR, Inc; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR in El Segundo, CA seeks an experienced Strategic ICD Engineer to lead interface control work for spacecraft and ground systems within an MBSE framework. You will coordinate with CM, ERBs/CCBs, and primes to ensure robust interface descriptions and requirements flow.

Requires TS/SCI clearance, a bachelor’s in engineering, 8+ years in satellite/DoD programs, MBSE expertise, and proficiency with Cameo, DOORS, and MATLAB. Join a pivotal defense programs team.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 8+ years in satellite systems, spacecraft development, or aerospace DoD programs.
• 5+ years MBSE experience.
• Direct experience developing or managing ICDs for complex systems.
• Proficiency with Cameo, DOORS, and MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of ICDs for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and interfaces in MBSE.
• Collaborate with Configuration Management for ERBs and CCBs.
• Create interface diagrams, data dictionaries, and message formats.
• Identify interface risks and drive issue resolution across teams.
• Support system integration with authoritative interface documentation.
• Ensure documentation meets standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide SME review of Prime contract Change Proposals.
• Manage Interface Control Working Groups and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate with MSEIT modelling to align models with ICDs and requirements flowdown.
• Develop acquisition and technical briefs and documentation for Gov’t decisions.
• Collaborate with prime contractors, other contractors, and U.S. Space Force members.

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Technical writing

Oral & written communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree in engineering

Tools

Cameo

DOORS

MATLAB

SysML

UPDM

DoDAF

Job description

Title: Strategic ICD 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. The MSEIT (MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration and Test) team in support of SSC (Space Systems Command) in El Segundo is seeking an individual to provide Information Assurance (IA) and Cybersecurity support for the MILSATCOM Capability area. The MILSATCOM portfolio of programs has an ongoing need for IA/Cybersecurity support, to meet the needs of our emerging next-generation protected SATCOM. The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the Air Force’s Space and Missiles System Center. We support the Air Force’s acquisition of state of the art Military Satellite Communications systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation’s warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

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

• Lead the Development of Satellite Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for spacecraft, ground systems, payloads, and cross‑system interfaces in a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment.
• Work closely with the Configuration Management team in preparing for Engineering Review Boards (ERBs) and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs).
• Develop interface diagrams, data dictionaries, message formats, command and telemetry mappings, and system‑level interface descriptions.
• Identify interface risks and drive technical issue resolution across engineering teams.
• Support system integration and test activities by providing authoritative interface documentation and clarification.
• Ensure that documentation complies with best practices, program standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) in reviewing Prime contract Change Proposals.
• Manage and coordinate Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs), ensuring consistent communication across all stakeholders.
• Work closely with MSEIT modeling team to ensure models align with technical baseline to include ICDs and requirement flowdown.
• Develop acquisition and technical requirements-related briefings, plans, papers, and other documentation in support of Gov’t decision making.
• Collaborating with prime contractors, other support contractors, government civilians, and members of the U.S. Space Force.

Work Environment

Location: On-site

Travel Requirements: Minimal

Working Hours: Standard

Standard Qualifications

Required:

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering
• 8+ years of experience in satellite systems, spacecraft development, or aerospace engineering
• 8+ years’ experience working on DoD programs
• 5+ years of experience developing architecture models
• 5+ years of experience with model‑based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Direct experience developing or managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for complex systems
• Familiarity with spacecraft subsystems and flight hardware (e.g., avionics, payloads, RF comms, power, GNC, thermal, propulsion)
• Ability to read and create schematics, interface diagrams, and data communication structures
• Demonstrated ability to lead a small technical team
• Proficiency in systems engineering tools such as Cameo, DOORS, MATLAB
• Proficiency in modeling languages such as SysML, UPDM, DoDAF
• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication (oral and written), and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas, recommendations and options to customers, senior leaders, and stakeholders
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

Desired

• Master’s degree in engineering
• 5+ years&rsquo experience with space systems in space or ground segments
• 5+ years&rsquo experience in a space acquisitions environment
• Experience in satellite hardware and software development
• MBSE certifications, such as OCSMP
• Professional certifications, such as INCOSE CSEP, ESEP, ASEP or PMP

Basic Compensation

Basic Compensation: $135,000 to $169,000 in El Segundo, CA The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

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.

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

Equal Opportunity

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.

About KBR

KBR – Delivering Solutions, Changing the World.

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. At KBR, We Deliver.