R&D Systems Engineer - Satellite Ground Systems

About the role

KBR is seeking an R&D Systems Engineer to support a dedicated U.S. Government Program Office focused on next-generation national security space systems. The role provides Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) for the research and development of ground systems that command, control and process data from advanced satellite constellations. It is an on-site position in Chantilly with minimal travel (0-20%) and standard working hours.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct technical analysis and review of ground system concepts, architectures and technologies.
• Review and contribute to design, modeling and analysis for orchestration, task scheduling and data processing.
• Evaluate and optimize data processing workflows, from satellite downlink and data ingestion to dissemination, and assess machine learning and AI integration.
• Provide technical and programmatic expertise across the project lifecycle: concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, design, development, integration and test, and transition to mission operations.
• Analyze alternatives to optimize system performance, cost and schedule.
• Participate in an enterprise-wide R&D environment and curate state-of-the-art technologies for evaluation.

Required profile

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years, Master's degree with 3+ years, or PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in satellite ground system architecture, operations and data processing.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills for writing reports and giving presentations.

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Desired: systems engineering and integration for satellite ground networks, command and control systems and data processing pipelines.
• Desired: satellite mission planning, autonomous tasking, contact scheduling and resource management systems.
• Desired: space-to-ground communications links, data routing and processing of overhead sensor data (SIGINT, IMINT).
• Desired: AI and ML applied to ground system automation, performance monitoring or data analysis.
• Desired: experience with system acquisition, design, development, I&T or mission operations for satellite ground systems.
• Desired: system modeling, simulation and performance analysis; familiarity with the IC mission, organizations, systems and processes.

What we offer

• Possible benefits including 401K with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off or flexible work schedule.
• Career advancement supported through professional training and development.