Strategic Interfaces Systems Engineer

KBR Careers; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking a Strategic Interfaces Systems Engineer in El Segundo, CA. The role focuses on developing and managing ICDs for cross-system interfaces between space and ground segments, coordinating with CM, ERBs/CCBs, and modeling teams to ensure alignment with cybersecurity baselines.

The candidate will provide SME support, develop interface diagrams, and lead working groups, with a requirement for an active secret clearance and 8+ years in satellite systems or DoD programs.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance is required for this position.
• 8+ years of experience in satellite systems, spacecraft development, or aerospace engineering.
• 5 years’ experience working on DoD programs.
• Direct experience developing or managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for complex systems.
• Strong familiarity with spacecraft subsystems (payloads, RF comms, power, GNC, thermal, propulsion, on-board Command and Data Handling).
• Ability to read and create schematics, interface diagrams, and data communication structures.
• Experience with systems engineering tools (DOORS, Cameo).
• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication (oral and written), and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

• Develop, author, and maintain ICDs for cross-system interfaces between space and ground segments.
• Serve as the system-level ICD owner, coordinating inputs and ensuring the ICD reflects the technical baseline.
• Work with Configuration Management to prepare for ERBs and CCBs.
• Develop interface diagrams, data dictionaries, message formats, and telemetry mappings.
• Identify interface risks and drive issue resolution across teams.
• Support system integration and test activities with authoritative documentation.
• Ensure documentation complies with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide SME support to review Prime contract Change Proposals.
• Manage Interface Working Groups and coordinate communication among stakeholders.
• Collaborate with MSEIT modeling to align models with ICDs and requirements flowdown for cybersecurity baseline.
• Develop acquisition and technical briefings and papers for Gov’t decision making, coordinating with primes and Space Force members.

Skills

Technical writing

Communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerP)

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

Belong. Connect. Grow. With KBR!

Strategic Interfaces Systems Engineer

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 MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (MSEIT) team in support of Space Systems Command (SSC) in El Segundo is seeking an individual to provide requirements development and management support for the Military Satellite Communications (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 MSEIT contract provides leading-edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) support for the U.S. Space Force’s SSC. We support the Space Force’s acquisition of state-of-the-art MILSATCOM 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

• Develop, author, and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for cross-system interfaces between space (including spacecraft and payloads) and ground segments.
• Serve as the system-level ICD owner/book boss, responsible for coordinating inputs, maintaining document structure, adjudicating comments, and ensuring the ICD reflects the authoritative technical baseline.
• 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) support to review of Prime contract Change Proposals
• Manage and coordinate Interface Working Groups, ensuring consistent communication across all stakeholders.
• Work closely with MSEIT modeling team to ensure models align with relevant ICDs and requirements flowdown associated with the cybersecurity technical baseline.
• Develop acquisition and technical 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. Due to security requirements, work is required to be performed on-site in a secure facility.
• Travel Requirements: Minimal
• Working Hours: Standard

Qualifications

Required:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance is required for this position
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in satellite systems, spacecraft development, or aerospace engineering.
• 5 years’ experience working on DoD programs
• Direct experience developing or managing Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for complex systems.
• Strong familiarity with spacecraft subsystems (e.g., payloads, RF comms, power, GNC, thermal, propulsion, on-board Command and Data Handling).
• Ability to read and create schematics, interface diagrams, and data communication structures.
• Experience with systems engineering tools (e.g., DOORS, Cameo).
• 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 (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desired

• Active SECRET or higher clearance
• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field.
• 12+ years’ experience with space systems in support of space or ground segment development
• 12+ years’ experience in a space acquisitions environment
• Experience in satellite hardware and software development
• Experience in Military, DoW, or Intelligence Community space
• Experience with MILSATCOM, such as ESS, AEHF, EPS, PTES, PTS, WGS, and FAB-T terminal programs
• Proficient in usage of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, INCOSE CSEP / ESEP / ASEP)

Basic Compensation:

$135,600 to $169,400 in El Segundo, California

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

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 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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