Senior Ground System Engineer

KBR is seeking a Senior Ground Systems Engineer to provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.

About the role

The selected candidate will advise Government program leadership on ground segment design, antenna scheduling and network operations, requirements and architecture definition, integration planning, software and system baseline control, risk/deficiency resolution, test readiness, mission partner onboarding, and operational data-flow performance in support of classified space missions.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and SETA advisory support for ground system architecture, antenna scheduling systems, ground antenna networks, C2 interfaces, mission planning data flows, and associated software/systems integration activities.
• Serve as a technical contact for ground system design documentation, including system/software requirements, high-level design, interface control documentation, critical methods, test strategies, user stories, and mission partner onboarding requirements.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend changes to requirements, ground threads, Jira projects, test strategies, test plans, and system design baselines supporting ground antenna scheduling and satellite operations.
• Track deficiency reports, technical risks, design trades, and system performance trends; provide recommendations to Government leadership on technical, schedule, cost, and mission impacts.
• Evaluate telemetry, command/status data flows, scheduling data, and operational performance trends to validate nominal system behavior or identify system degradation.
• Facilitate process improvement across ground antenna network implementation, external connections, automation, scheduling, planning, control, and operations workflows.
• Coordinate with Systems Engineering, Mission Adoption, configuration management, test, risk management, and mission partner organizations to support delivery milestones and operational readiness.
• Prepare clear technical recommendations, reports, briefings, courses of action, and decision materials for program management and executive leadership.
• Perform all duties independently in a high-visibility, mission-critical, classified environment and provide technical guidance to less senior personnel when assigned.

Requirements

• An active TS/SCI clearance is required to be considered for this position, which is something only a U.S. citizen can obtain.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, applied science, or related technical discipline; ABET-accredited engineering degree or Professional Engineering license preferred where contractually required.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant DoD/IC, Government, or industry experience in systems engineering, ground systems engineering, space mission operations, software architecture, C2 systems, or related mission systems.
• Experience developing, fielding, integrating, or sustaining software-intensive space systems, including satellite and ground systems, software architectures, interface requirements, and operational workflows.
• Knowledge of the space operational environment, mission-user needs, ground antenna networks, satellite scheduling applications, RF spectrum considerations, and C2 requirements.
• Experience with requirements analysis, configuration management, risk management, Integrated Master Schedules, SOW/PWS review, test planning, and stakeholder/mission partner onboarding.
• Ability to assess mission partner antenna network requirements and ensure satellite operations systems align with capability needs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical data into concise actionable recommendations.

About the company

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to customers in the intelligence and national security communities. Work in this role will have a profound impact on protecting national security through innovative projects at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT, and cybersecurity solutions.

KBR fosters a collaborative environment where teamwork and innovation thrive, supporting a Zero Harm and People First culture.

KBR is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead the administrative and operational facets of one or more government services projects, ensuring customer needs and contractual obligations are met.

Responsibilities

• Fully coordinate and collaborate on all tasks, activities, requirements, and issues pertaining to customer support.
• Identify issues and adapt program plans based on customer feedback regarding cost, performance, quality, schedule, and risk.
• Develop plans, schedules, and define and document the implementation of requirements.
• Use established program management procedures to monitor cost, schedule, inventory, and performance; assess variances and take corrective action.
• Review and clarify contract requirements, propose cleared, qualified personnel to fulfill requirements.
• Identify potential downstream issues and provide recommendations to mitigate negative impacts.
• Manage customer expectations with proactive, consistent, and transparent communication.
• Ensure continuity of support with contractor personnel changes and approve task order staffing alignments/allocations.
• Interface with the Contracting Officer (CO), Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), and Government leadership.
• Oversee the execution of the Transition Plan and the management and implementation of the Program Management Plan (PMP).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for formal discussions with the customer to sustain and improve satisfaction.
• Oversee Contractor’s Environmental, Health, and Safety functions, ensuring adherence to safe work practices.
• Monitor cost control, financial reports, budgeting, and overall operating costs.
• Oversee coordination of work priorities and monitor methods, procedures, and programs.
• Improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
• Oversee monitoring and inspecting of maintenance, repair, and service operations for quality control and contract compliance.
• Ensure accuracy of management and contract reports before submission.

Requirements

• Must possess a TS/SCI clearance with current polygraph (U.S. citizenship required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or Engineering plus a total of ten (10) years’ experience in management-level positions; OR, Bachelor’s degree in another field plus ten (10) years of project-level experience and six (6) additional years in Engineering or Business.
• PMP Certification (Project Management Professional).
• Personnel management experience with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient knowledge and experience in project management concepts, including project schedule, scope, cost, risk, and deliverables.
• Knowledge of customer exercise or crisis management communities and experience planning, coordinating, and executing support for special events.
• Familiarity and willingness to manage a 24/7/365 operational environment.

Pay

Basic compensation: $209,000 – $278,700 annually (range for the VA area only). The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional compensation may include bonuses, commissions, sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

About the company

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. Our team-of-teams philosophy fosters an environment where everyone can belong, connect, and grow. Contributions in this role will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security.