Chief Scientist

Title:

Chief Scientist

Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR!

Position Overview

KBR is seeking a Chief Scientist to provide senior technical leadership across our Technical Intelligence (TI) Operating Unit, supporting current mission execution with NASIC, NSIC, and MSIC, while also driving business development, capture, and growth into new customers and mission areas.

This role serves as the senior technical authority for TIS, responsible for shaping technical strategy, mentoring analysts and engineers, and ensuring KBR delivers high-impact, mission-relevant intelligence solutions across the Air Force, Space Force, and DoW Intelligence Community. Approximately 50% of the role is focused on growth and business development, including capture support, customer engagement, and expansion beyond existing agencies.

Key Responsibilities

Mission & Technical Leadership (50%)

• Serve as the senior technical authority for the TI Operating Unit supporting NASIC, NSIC, and MSIC programs.
• Provide technical oversight and direction across intelligence analysis, engineering, and advanced technology efforts.
• Guide analytic rigor, tradecraft standards, and technical innovation across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level analysts, engineers, and technical leads, strengthening bench depth and succession.
• Advise program managers and government customers on technical approaches, emerging threats, and analytic methodologies.
• Support program execution, technical reviews, and customer engagements as a trusted senior SME.
• Provide senior technical input, solution shaping, and reviews for capture activities and proposals, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance, and compelling discriminators aligned to customer mission needs
• Lead and coordinate Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives for the Technical Intelligence Operating Unit, including identifying high-value concepts, shaping technical approaches, and championing proposals through KBR’s IRAD approval and governance process

Business Development & Growth (50%)

• Lead technical strategy and solution development for new business capture across DoW, IC, and adjacent mission partners.
• Support capture teams with technical discriminators, win themes, solution architectures, and proposal content.
• Engage directly with government customers to identify emerging needs, shape requirements, and position KBR for future work.
• Expand TI capabilities and customer footprint beyond NASIC, NSIC, and MSIC, including new agencies, mission sets, and technologies.
• Partner with BD, Capture, and Program leadership to drive sustainable growth aligned with KBR’s strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant technical or scientific discipline (engineering, physics, intelligence, data science, aerospace, etc.).

Minimum 15+ years supporting DoW and/or Intelligence Community missions in a technical or analytic leadership role.

Demonstrated experience supporting NASIC, NSIC, MSIC, or closely related IC/DoD intelligence organizations.

Proven ability to serve as a senior technical leader and mentor across diverse technical teams.

Experience supporting business development, capture, or proposal efforts, including customer engagement and solution shaping.

Active TS/SCI clearance (CI Poly preferred or ability to obtain).

Desired Qualifications

Prior experience as a Chief Scientist, Technical Director, Principal Engineer, or equivalent senior technical role.

Experience shaping or leading solutions for A&AS, SETA, or intelligence support contracts.

Familiarity with emerging intelligence technologies (AI/ML, advanced sensing, space systems, ISR, modeling & simulation, etc.).

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and executive-level briefings.

Why KBR

At KBR, our Technical Intelligence teams support some of the nation’s most critical defense and intelligence missions. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical direction, mentor the next generation of intelligence professionals, and directly influence growth and strategy across the enterprise.

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.