R&D Systems Engineer

KBR
Chantilly, Loudoun County, VA
Title:
R&D Systems Engineer

KBR is seeking an innovative R&D Systems Engineer to join our team, providing critical technical services to the U.S. Government (USG). This role supports a dedicated USG Program Office focused on pioneering the next generation of national security space systems. You will provide Systems Engineering & Technical Advisory (SETA) support, concentrating on the research and development of revolutionary ground systems that command, control, and process data from advanced satellite constellations.

Responsibilities:

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of cutting-edge satellite ground systems, with an emphasis on automation, processing, and orchestration. Your duties will include:
  • Technical Analysis: Conduct in-depth technical analysis and review of ground system concepts, architectures, and technologies
  • Review & Processing: Review and contribute to design, modeling, and analysis for orchestration, task scheduling, data processing.
  • Evaluation & Optimization: Evaluate and optimize data processing workflows, from initial satellite downlink and data ingestion to final dissemination. Assess the integration of machine learning and AI technologies to enhance data exploitation and automate ground system functions.
  • Lifecycle Support: Provide technical and programmatic expertise throughout the entire project lifecycle. This includes concept development, system definition, acquisition planning, design, development, integration and test (I&T), and transition to mission operations.
  • Cost Analysis: Perform analysis of alternatives to optimize system performance, cost, and schedule.
  • Innovation & Collaboration: Actively participate in an enterprise-wide R&D environment, contributing to and leveraging shared knowledge to advance organizational capabilities in satellite ground systems.
  • Innovation Scouting: Curate state of the art technology for evaluation.
Work Environment:
  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
  • Working Hours: Standard
Required Qualifications:
  • Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • Education: Bachelor's degree with 5+ years, Master's degree with 3+ years, or a PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience.
  • Skills: Demonstrated expertise in satellite ground system architecture, operations, and data processing.
  • Technical Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
  • Analytical Skills: Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities.
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for preparing written reports, leading group discussions, and delivering oral presentations.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Ground Systems Engineering: In-depth knowledge of systems engineering and integration as applied to satellite ground networks, command and control systems, and data processing pipelines
  • Tasking & Scheduling: Experience with satellite mission planning, autonomous tasking, contact scheduling, and resource management systems.
  • Communications & Data: Experience with space-to-ground communications links, data routing, and processing of overhead sensor data (e.g., SIGINT, IMINT).
  • Automation & AI/ML: Knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies applied to ground system automation, performance monitoring, or data analysis.
  • Lifecycle Experience: Experience with system acquisition, design, development, I&T, or mission operations for satellite ground systems.
  • Modeling & Simulation: Proficiency in system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis for complex ground architectures.
  • Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with the IC mission, organizations, systems, and processes.
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 at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

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.
Posted 2026-03-30

Recommended Jobs

Detailer/Car Washer (Full Time)

HoneyCar - Roanoke
Roanoke, VA

HoneyCar, the Sweetest way to grow your career! About HoneyCar HoneyCar is an exciting tech-driven used vehicle dealer. We blend state-of-the-art technology with a service-driven human touch to de…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-21

Senior Voice Engineer

System One
Arlington, VA

Job Title: Senior Voice Engineer Location: Arlington, VA Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Hybrid – onsite and remote Responsibilities Configure, test, deploy, maintain, and troubl…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-09

Floater

Rock Solid Janitorial
Hampton, VA

Job Description Job Description Description: ROCK SOLID Position Description Job Title: On Call Floater Classification: Operations Reports To: Area Supervisor Principal purpose …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-17

Summer Fun Counselor

The City of Falls Church Virginia
Falls Church, VA

Job Description Job Description Summer Fun Counselor Starting at $17.50 per hour (Onsite) The City of Falls Church Recreation and Parks Department is in search of energetic and fun-loving …

View Details
Posted 2026-04-11

Lexus Service Greeter

Pohanka Lexus
Chantilly, Loudoun County, VA

Job Description Job Description Provide our guests with a “World Class” service experience in a professional manner to earn ALL of their future service and maintenance business and retain the…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-29

SOC Shift Lead

Peraton
Herndon, VA

Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative SOC Shift Lead to join our team in the greater DMV area supporting the Army National Guard. Responsibilities Supervise realt…

View Details
Posted 2026-05-08

Marketing Community Canvasser

Commonwealth Dentistry
Chester, VA

Job Description: Become an integral part of our community outreach team as a Community Canvasser ! Your mission will be to expand awareness of our services through residential and business outrea…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-30

Diesel Technician

Las Vegas Petroleum
Glade Spring, VA

Las Vegas Petroleum is a recognized leader in the energy and fueling industry, committed to delivering exceptional service and products to our customers. Our team is integral to ensuring safe and eff…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-18

Research Technician - Project Pipeline Support

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
Ashburn, VA

Summary: We are seeking a Research Technician with a bachelor’s degree in biology (or a related field of the life sciences) to join Project Pipeline Support (PPS), supporting Janelia Project Team…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-16

Counterintelligence Officer

FRDA LLC
Arlington, VA

We are looking for Counterintelligence Officers to join our team! This position represents multiple openings. The position level is contingent on applicant specific qualifications and experience. App…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-28