Optical Integration/Metrology Engineer

Title:

Optical Integration/Metrology Engineer

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Position Summary

This position provides optical systems engineering, integration oversight, and metrology expertise for spacecraft, flight and non-flight instruments, and associated ground support equipment. The role emphasizes technical analysis, requirements development, verification planning, performance assessment, and documentation leadership across development, integration, pre-flight, and post-flight operations. This role applies independent engineering judgment to evaluate optical alignment, metrology results, and system performance, and advises project teams on technical decisions, risk mitigation, and verification strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Evaluate optical integration and alignment efforts by defining alignment strategies, acceptance criteria, and verification approaches for spacecraft and instrument hardware.
• Analyze optical and mechanical metrology data to assess alignment fidelity, performance margins, and compliance with system requirements.
• Develop and own alignment, metrology, and optical performance requirements, including verification methods and success criteria.
• Perform optical performance assessments to support design and integration decisions.
• Responsible for requirements development, verification, and environmental simulation testing, including data analysis and modeling.
• Generate technical documentation such as WIs, WOAs, procedures, plans, reports, and data summaries.
• Manage and support laboratory operations as required.

Required Skills and Experience

Optical & Metrology Software and Analysis

• Experience with commercial software tools for acquisition, reduction, and analysis of metrology data (including point cloud, vector, and interferometric data).
• Experience with GSFC-developed theodolite metrology and alignment software.
• Expertise in spatial data analysis for alignment verification.
• Experience with interferometric data analysis for wavefront, surface error, and component alignment assessments.
• Ability to obtain or develop expertise in additional analysis tools as project needs evolve.

Optical Systems Engineering

• Requirements development and verification related to alignment and optical performance
• Error budget development
• Uncertainty analysis and statistics
• Technical report writing and data analysis summaries
• Preparation and delivery of technical briefings and presentations
• Development of procedures, plans, WIs, and WOAs

Instrumentation Experience

• Levels, alignment telescopes, theodolites
• Laser trackers and laser radars
• Coordinate measuring machines (contact and non-contact)
• Photogrammetry systems
• Interferometers (distance measuring and Fizeau-type)
• General optical and mechanical metrology instrumentation

Preferred Attributes

• Experience supporting spaceflight, atmospheric flight (balloon/aircraft), ground-based instruments, or related NASA programs
• Familiarity with GSFC laboratory environments and procedures
• Strong documentation, communication, and teamwork skills

Basic Compensation:

• Jobs on this contract range from $113,100-- $244,700 Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD area.
• The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate’s working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

 Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

 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.​ 

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits | KBR 

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.