ATR / Autonomy / Computer Vision SME

Title:

ATR / Autonomy / Computer Vision SME

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

ATR / Autonomy / Computer Vision SME

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

Key Responsibilities:
he ATR/Autonomy/Computer Vision SME reports to the R&D Portfolio Manager within the Air Force Acquisition Operating Unit (AFA OU). This position provides contractor technical support to an AFLCMC System Program Office as a Subject Matter Expert in EO/IR Automatic Target Recognition, autonomy, and computer vision technologies. The role focuses on working day‑to‑day alongside Government program managers and engineers, supporting industry engagements, and providing technical assessments to inform system development and integration. The position also supports developmental and operational test activities, including travel to contractor and test sites to assist with evaluations and demonstrations. A successful candidate will combine strong EO/IR, autonomy, and computer vision technical depth with clear written and verbal communication skills, collaborative engagement with government and industry teams, analytical judgment, adaptability, and the professionalism to operate effectively in an Air Force program office and test environment.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Provide contractor technical expertise as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in EO/IR Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), autonomy, and computer vision technologies in support of AFLCMC System Program Office programs.
• Perform day‑to‑day technical support activities in a Government office environment, assisting Program Managers, engineers, and IPTs with analyses, assessments, and technical inputs supporting program execution and system development.
• Support Government‑led interactions with industry prime contractors and subcontractors by participating in technical interchange meetings, reviewing proposed EO/IR, autonomy, and computer vision solutions, and identifying technical risks, limitations, and integration considerations.
• Analyze and provide written technical evaluations of contractor deliverables, including algorithms, autonomy frameworks, machine learning models, system designs, interface documentation, and performance reports, to support Government insight and awareness.
• Support developmental and operational test activities by assisting with test planning, supporting test execution, analyzing EO/IR ATR, autonomy, and computer vision performance data, and documenting observations and results.
• Travel as required to contractor facilities, Air Force installations, laboratories, and test ranges to support system integration events, autonomous system demonstrations, program reviews, and test activities.
• Develop technical briefings, reports, and decision‑support materials that clearly communicate EO/IR, autonomy, and computer vision capabilities, performance trends, and technical considerations to Government stakeholders.

Work Environment:

• Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 
• Travel Requirements: Minimal, 20-50%
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience supporting DoD or government programs in EO/IR systems, Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), autonomy, computer vision, or related sensing and perception technologies
• Demonstrated technical experience with EO/IR sensors, image processing, machine learning–based computer vision, autonomy algorithms, or related system integration efforts.
• Experience working in or supporting a DoD System Program Office, laboratory, test organization, or equivalent government acquisition environment.
• Familiarity with developmental and/or operational test activities, including test planning, execution support, and data analysis.
• Ability to engage professionally and effectively with Government personnel and industry prime contractors in a collaborative, support role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing technical briefings, reports, and analyses for government stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to Air Force installations, contractor facilities, and test sites as mission needs dictate.
• Active DoD Secret clearance is required

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Experience supporting AFLCMC, PEO, or equivalent DoD acquisition organizations, with familiarity across the acquisition lifecycle (requirements, development, test, and sustainment).
• Hands‑on experience with machine learning, deep learning, or data‑driven computer vision techniques applied to EO/IR or multi‑sensor systems.
• Experience with autonomous systems, including perception, sensor fusion, target cueing, decision support, or human‑machine teaming concepts.
• Knowledge of EO/IR ATR performance characterization, metrics, datasets, model training/validation, or algorithm transition into operational systems.
• Prior involvement in system‑level integration, digital engineering, modeling and simulation, or open‑architecture implementations.
• Experience supporting live, virtual, or constructive (LVC) test events and analyzing large sensor or algorithm performance datasets.
• Familiarity with relevant DoD standards, guidance, and processes (e.g., test and evaluation, cybersecurity considerations, open mission systems).
• Active Top Secret clearance or experience working in SCI/SAP environments.
• Demonstrated ability to independently execute technical tasks while effectively supporting Government‑led teams in a collaborative role.​

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 [Company Name]. 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.