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 2026-07-05

Recommended Jobs

Production Manager

KnowHireMatch
Richmond, VA

Please read full job description to ensure match before applying:   ~ Candidates will need to have extensive experience within a corrugate packaging facility ~7+ years of leadership inside of co…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-12

Data Integrations Specialist (Team Lead)

CLOVEHITCH
Fort Belvoir, VA

Description CLGT Solutions, LLC dba CLOVEHITCH is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small mission-focused business that provides professional solutions in the areas of intelligence, financial manag…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-16

Cybersecurity SME

KBR
Dillwyn, VA

Title: Cybersecurity SME Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intell…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-11

Associate Research Chemist, Polyol Synthesis Group

Carpenter Co.
Richmond, VA

Job Description Job Description Do you want to be part of a team that aspires to improve the quality of life for others? Are you interested in efficient manufacturing processes that promote susta…

View Details
Posted 2026-08-14

Clinical Project Manager - Oncology (Client Dedicated/Remote)

Virginia

Clinical Project Manager - Oncology (Client Dedicated/Remote) Syneos Health® is a leading fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions organization built to accelerate customer success. We translate…

View Details
Posted 2026-07-31

Senior Go Developer

Bright Vision Technologies
Sterling, VA

Senior Go Developer – Remote  Bright Vision Technologies is a technology consulting and software development company delivering cloud, AI, data, and enterprise solutions across the United States.  …

View Details
Posted 2026-08-05

In-Home Caregiver PCA/CNA M-F 5p-9p and Sundays 9a-5p! Richmond,VA

Home Health Services of Virginia
Mechanicsville, VA

Our agency is seeking excited and talented staff to fill in-home caregiver roles for personal care services! No experience is required! We can enroll you in our paid training program! You can start …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-18