Ground Station System Engineer III

About the role

Join us at the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center and help shape the future of Earth science data systems. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to projects that make a global impact, supporting research, innovation, and technology that empower scientists and decision-makers worldwide. KBR is seeking a Mid-Level System Engineer in Sioux Falls, SD, to support the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. This is a full-time, onsite role that requires regular in‑person interaction with team members, scientists, and mission partners. This team, in collaboration with NASA and the Landsat project, specializes in remote sensing and provides over fifty years of satellite imagery data to global users and science organizations.

Why you’ll love this role

Work on meaningful projects that support Earth science and sustainability; collaborate with experienced engineers and mentors who are passionate about innovation; gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge technologies in Satellite Communications and system development; be part of a team that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.

Responsibilities

• Provide hardware engineering support and maintenance for all ground station radio frequency (RF) equipment, including procurement, deployment/integration, troubleshooting and repair.
• Provide Satellite Communications systems engineering support to develop ground‑based systems in accordance with mission requirements, covering antenna(s), RF equipment and associated ground station equipment.
• Communicate and coordinate activities and technical status with the Systems Engineer, Software Engineers, Operators and other Project team members as appropriate.
• Conduct systems engineering activities in accordance with an established Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).
• Support decomposing operations concepts into detailed requirements.
• Support developing and implementing requirements.
• Support defining and documenting interface definitions.
• Conduct architecture and trade‑study analysis.
• Execute formal integration testing and analysis.
• Support integration activities at remote partner locations.
• Ensure all system activities are conducted in accordance with standards and best practices.
• Submit, analyze, and manage configuration change requests in accordance with Configuration Management (CM) processes.

Education & Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Satellite Communications/Systems Engineering, or related field.

Experience: Former job experience of 4‑6 years in Satellite Communications Engineering or equivalent is required. Experience in satellite ground systems or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications is a plus.

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the Systems Engineering and Project Life Cycle.
• Experience working with RF equipment including antenna, demodulators, receivers, upconverters, station controllers and basic diagnostic equipment such as spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to conduct anomaly investigations or troubleshooting activities.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics and wiring diagrams.

Desired Skills

• Requirements generation experience.
• Integration and Test experience.

Special Requirements

• US Citizenship is required due to ITAR requirements.
• Three years of continuous residency in the U.S. for issuance of a Government Security credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation for facility access.
• Experience and/or Education in lieu of these qualifications will be reviewed for applicability to meet these requirements.

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.