Ground Systems Engineer

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects – work at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment – dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work – design and optimize defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary

KBR National Security Solutions is seeking a motivated and talented Senior Ground Systems Engineer to join the team in Chantilly, Virginia. The role supports a major U.S. Government organization responsible for the acquisition, integration, and operation of proliferated satellite constellations. The selected candidate will provide Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) focused on the satellite ground segment, including mission operations, command and control, data processing, dissemination, and user interfaces. The engineer will work as part of an integrated Government‑contractor team delivering resilient, scalable space capabilities for national security missions.

Responsibilities

• Advise and assist the Government with planning, engineering, integration, and O&M activities of ground systems.
• Analyze and document site system architecture and impacts associated with system updates and deliveries.
• Support requirements definition, architecture development, and trade studies for spacecraft ground systems.
• Interface with spacecraft, payload, network, and user segment teams to define and manage end‑to‑end system interfaces.
• Support integration and test (I&T) planning and execution across ground and space segments.
• Evaluate contractor designs, test results, and operational concepts for compliance with mission requirements.
• Assist in operational readiness activities, including rehearsals, exercises, and transition to sustainment.
• Contribute to system documentation, reviews, and decision briefings for Government leadership.
• Collaborate with Headquarters Directorates, site organizations, and mission partners to ensure understanding of project requirements and risks (cost, schedule, technical).
• Document, develop and deliver analyses, recommendations, plans, reports, and briefings to the Government.
• Support development and integration of automated test solutions and continuous improvement in software design and architecture.

Work Environment

• Location: On‑site in Chantilly, Virginia.
• Travel Requirements: Minimal (less than 25%) travel to contractor facilities, test sites, or launch locations.
• Working Hours: Flexible. Standard Government work‑hour support with surge support during integration and launch phases.

Required Qualifications

• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI with current polygraph.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data analytics, or a related STEM technical discipline.
• Experience: 8+ years supporting satellite ground system development, integration, and test.
• Knowledge of Government customer’s space and ground domain mission and technical capabilities.
• Systems engineering background covering the full systems development life cycle.
• Experience in requirements definition, system architectures, systems analysis and design, interface and data architectures, validation, and verification.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and define solutions for broad, abstract topics.
• Familiarity with model‑based systems engineering, digital engineering tools, Agile/DevSecOps methodology, and cloud technologies.
• Proficiency with standard business management tools, MS Office, and project management software.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trusted client relationships.
• Knowledge of U.S. Government contracting, Federal Acquisition Regulations, spacecraft lifecycle milestones, and review processes.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to convey technical issues clearly to all levels of Government leadership.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in a related STEM technical discipline.
• Ground Experience: 10+ years supporting ground system development, integration, and test (preferred).
• Breadth of Experience: Work across multiple satellite ground programs or production lines (preferred).
• Project Management: Experience initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling DoD or Intelligence Community projects or programs.
• Deep knowledge of satellite Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) architectures.
• Experience defining, developing, configuration managing, auditing, and verifying large‑scale ground system architectures.
• Familiarity with JIRA and Confluence.
• Familiarity with modeling languages such as Python, SysML, and UAFML.
• Experience with cloud‑based technologies and automation to optimize platform performance and reliability.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible spending account and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and flexible work schedule options.
• Career advancement through professional training and development.