R&D Lead

Title:

R&D Lead

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.

KBR is seeking an R&D Lead to join our team remotely.

KBR (formerly LinQuest) is the prime contractor on the MSEIT contract. By applying to this position, you are in consideration for KBR employment. However, you also have the option to be hired by one of our subcontractor teammates.

The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the US Space Force’s Space Systems Center (SSC). We support the Space Force’s acquisition of state-of-the-art satellite communications systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation’s warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

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.

Work Environment:

Location:  Remote

Travel Requirements: Minimal

Working Hours: Standard

Qualifications:

Required:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance required
• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Space Engineering, Physics or a closely related technical discipline
• 20+ years of technical leadership driving innovation in software architecture and full-stack development, with a strong focus on R&D, emerging technologies, and scalable enterprise solutions.
• 15+ years of SATCOM systems analysis experience, including link budget analysis, physical layer modeling across GEO/MEO/LEO constellations, and deep knowledge of network layer routing protocols
• 15+ years of systems engineering support on U.S. Government and international partner programs
• 15+ years designing, developing, and delivering advanced software prototypes from concept through operational deployment
• 3+ years of hands-on generative AI and machine learning development, with focus on MBSE-driven requirements analysis and automated engineering discovery
• Expertise in MBSE/SysML v2 toolchains and digital thread integration across engineering workflows
• Proven experience leading technical innovation initiatives in multi-disciplinary engineering environments
• Strong understanding of secure software development practices and deployment in accredited cloud environments

Desired:

• Experience deploying secure, cloud-native services on Azure Government using Docker and Kubernetes
• Strong systems-of-systems architecture skills, particularly in aligning digital thread strategies with SATCOM enterprise modernization efforts
• Proficiency with full-stack development in C#.NET and Python, including REST/gRPC APIs and high-throughput data processing pipelines
• INCOSE Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) certification in good standing
• Familiarity with DevSecOps best practices, including automated code quality and vulnerability scans
• Experience with multi-agent orchestration frameworks such as LangGraph or AutoGen, and knowledge graph-based reasoning systems
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional Agile teams, including PI planning, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of mission-critical capabilities
• Background in publishing technical research, presenting at AIAA/IET or similar forums, and mentoring junior engineers in AI-first systems engineering approaches

Basic Compensation:  $206,000 - $257,000

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

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.

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.