Systems Engineer & Technical Integration SME – Passive Instrumentation and Range (PIR)

Title:

Systems Engineer & Technical Integration SME – Passive Instrumentation and Range (PIR)

Program Summary

KBR’s Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.

Job Summary

The PIR Systems Engineer & Subject Matter Expert (SME) delivers critical systems analysis, fielding oversight, and technical integration support to the PIR Program Office. This role is the primary technical bridge between government stakeholders, contractors, and external test agencies. The selected candidate will prepare, conduct, and execute system certification testing, coordinate complex range logistics, and serve as the on-site PIR authority during critical Developmental Testing (DT) and Operational Testing (OT) events globally.

Key Responsibilities

1. Test Planning & Execution (Test Conductor)

• Lead Test Operations: Serve as the primary Test Conductor; prepare for, execute, and document system certification testing for all PIR products.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Sync with government and contractor personnel to align test objectives, secure support personnel, and manage specialized test equipment.
• Range Agency Liaison: Coordinate directly with external test agencies (e.g., ATEC, AEC, DOT&E) to ensure PIR requirements are integrated into agency test plans.
• Article Configuration: Configure STARE test articles and operate PIR equipment in strict compliance with approved test plans.
• Operational Tempo: This is not a predictable 9-to-5 desk job. Active test phases require rapid adaptability, extended hours on remote test ranges, and a 24/7 readiness posture to address emergent system failures.
• Extreme Environments: Expect significant field time at austere test ranges (e.g., WSMR, YPG) in varying weather conditions, requiring physical stamina to assist with equipment setup/teardown.

2. Systems Engineering & Lifecycle Support

• SME Advisory: Participate in system design reviews, Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), and Configuration Control Boards (CCBs).
• Requirement Analysis: Identify, evaluate, and advocate for user requirements to be integrated into future PIR software and hardware baselines.
• Technical Reviews: Analyze PIR system specifications, software problem reports (SPRs), and Prime Contractor New Equipment Training (NET) materials.
• Tactical Integration: Assist with taskers and test development involving complex tactical architecture, Command and Control (C2) configurations, and TEMPEST-compliant tactical software layouts across various test environments.

3. Operational & Range Support (CONUS/OCONUS)

• Multi-Range Deployments: Support DT/OT events and training (including Foreign Military Sales (FMS)) at key test ranges including White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), and Eglin AFB.
• Data Security & Logistics: Coordinate the collection, distribution, and secure transport of classified data. Ensure proper teardown, relocation, and accountability of government equipment between test sites.
• Readiness Validation: Conduct and lead dry-run data collection events with PIR personnel to validate ATEC, AEC, and DOT&E processes and system emplacement.
• Status Reporting: Generate and submit comprehensive daily pass-down reports during live test events.

Basic Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience paired with 5+ years of hands-on experience in military test and evaluation (T&E).
• Availability & Flexibility:
  • Must be available 24/7 during active test windows to support mission-critical taskers.
  • Willingness to maintain an "on-call" status to troubleshoot and problem-solve PIR asset issues rapidly.
  • Ability to travel CONUS/OCONUS to support field operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Expertise: Strong background in tactical C2 architectures, military range operations, and electronic instrumentation systems (STARE experience highly preferred).
• Communication Skills: Proven ability to brief senior military leadership and coordinate directly with ATEC, AEC, and DOT&E. Proficient in developing high-impact executive PowerPoint briefings.

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.