Engineering SME – Hard and Deeply Buried Target (HDBT) Penetrators

Title:

Engineering SME – Hard and Deeply Buried Target (HDBT) Penetrators

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

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.

Why Join Us?

· Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

· Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

· Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Position Summary:

KBR is seeking a highly experienced technical professional to serve as an Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the Attack Division's efforts in advanced weapon development. This role is focused on the technologies and systems required to defeat hard and deeply buried targets (HDBT). In this position, you will provide independent technical evaluation and program support to Government leadership. You will assess contractor designs for penetrator warheads, fuzing, and weapon systems, identify technical risks, research cutting-edge technologies, and inform key decisions across the weapon system lifecycle, from concept to fielding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key technical resource for all aspects of HDBT penetrator weapon systems, including warhead design, case materials, advanced fuzing, guidance and control, and airframe integration.
• Evaluate contractor weapon system designs, interface definitions, integration approaches, and verification plans; provide clear, actionable technical recommendations to Government program leadership.
• Assess system interfaces and Interface Control Documents (ICDs), ensuring alignment between the weapon, fuze, and host aircraft platform.
• Support and participate in technical reviews, ensuring weapon systems meet performance, safety, and operational requirements against HDBT threats.
• Research comparable penetrator weapon systems, advanced materials, fuzing technologies, and threat target evolution across the Department of War and industry to identify relevant technologies and lessons learned.
• Assess weapon performance considerations, including delivery accuracy, impact dynamics, penetration depth, and terminal effects.
• Evaluate weapon survivability, operational employment concepts, and integration with mission planning systems.
• Contribute to the development and execution of test strategies, including modeling & simulation, ground tests, static detonations, and live-fire flight testing.
• Assess the adequacy of verification and validation approaches, including traceability to system requirements.
• Identify and assess technical risks related to penetrator performance, manufacturability, and reliability; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with system safety, insensitive munitions (IM), and ordnance handling requirements.
• Collaborate closely with a broader team of engineers and analysts to ensure end-to-end system performance.
• Develop and deliver technical briefings, assessments, and decision support materials for Government stakeholders.

Work Environment:

• Location: On-site (Eglin AFB, FL)
• Travel Requirements: Low, 10-15%
• Working Hours: Standard – Core hours 0900 - 1500

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, or related) or a technical field.
• 20+ years of experience in weapon systems development, ordnance, or a closely related domain.
• Hands-on experience with elements of penetrator weapon systems such as warhead design, fuzing, guidance systems, system integration, or test and evaluation.
• Experience supporting the system integration, test, fielding, or operational evaluation of complex defense systems.
• Ability to independently assess technical issues, identify risks, and provide actionable recommendations in support of Government decision-making.
• Strong understanding of system interfaces, system safety, and developmental and operational testing.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to brief technical findings to Government and military stakeholders.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.

Desired:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering field.
• Direct experience with the design, analysis, or testing of penetrator warheads or advanced fuzing systems.
• Knowledge of material science and geotechnics related to target characterization and weapon effects.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools used to assess weapon performance, penetration dynamics, and terminal effects (e.g., hydrocodes).
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), digital engineering, or open system architectures.
• Prior experience supporting a Government program office or acquisition organization in the weapons domain.

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 KBR. 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.