Chief Technologist, Directed Energy Systems

Title:

Chief Technologist, Directed Energy Systems

Program Summary

Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our HEL programs support the U.S. Department of Defense in developing, integrating, testing, and fielding cutting-edge laser weapon systems that enhance national security and deliver decisive battlefield advantages. These efforts require deep technical expertise in controls engineering, systems integration, and real-time performance of laser subsystems under demanding operational conditions.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Chief Technologist to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of Directed Energy and advanced defense systems programs. This role serves as a senior technical leader within the organization, partnering closely with engineering, business, and technology leadership to drive innovation, guide system architectures, resolve complex technical challenges, and mature critical technologies.

The Chief Technologist will work across multiple programs and product lines, providing expertise in systems engineering, mechanical engineering, power systems, thermal management, integration, testing, and technology development. This individual will help shape technical strategy, support business growth, mentor engineering staff, and ensure the successful development and deployment of advanced directed energy capabilities.

The ideal candidate possesses broad engineering knowledge, deep experience with high-power defense systems, and the ability to influence technical direction without direct ownership of every engineering decision.

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Strategy

· Partner with company technical and business leadership to define and execute technology roadmaps aligned with customer needs and strategic objectives.

· Provide technical guidance and oversight across multiple directed energy and advanced technology programs.

· Support development of system architectures, technology strategies, and engineering approaches for current and future products.

· Serve as a trusted technical advisor to engineering teams, program managers, and executive leadership.

· Lead technical assessments, trade studies, and independent design evaluations.

· Identify technical risks, technology gaps, and opportunities for innovation and product differentiation.

Cross-Program Engineering Support

· Provide subject matter expertise across a family of directed energy systems and supporting technologies.

· Support program teams during requirements development, design reviews, integration activities, troubleshooting efforts, and customer engagements.

· Assist engineering teams in resolving complex system-level challenges involving performance, reliability, manufacturability, SWaP-C, and operational effectiveness.

· Support development and transition of technologies from research and prototyping into deployable products.

Systems, Power, and Thermal Engineering

· Guide development of system architectures with particular emphasis on power generation, power distribution, energy storage, thermal management, and system integration.

· Support engineering teams in evaluating system performance, efficiency, reliability, and operational constraints.

· Contribute to development of scalable solutions applicable across multiple products and platforms.

· Ensure sound systems engineering practices are applied throughout the product lifecycle.

Mentorship and Technical Development

· Mentor systems, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers across the organization.

· Foster engineering excellence and disciplined problem-solving.

· Support technical workforce development and knowledge sharing.

· Contribute to recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding technical talent.

Customer and Business Engagement

· Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, demonstrations, and strategic discussions.

· Support business development efforts through technical solution development, proposal reviews, and customer engagement.

· Help communicate technical vision and capabilities to customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline.

· 15+ years of experience developing complex defense, aerospace, energy, or advanced technology systems.

· Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering organizations.

· Strong understanding of systems engineering principles and system architecture development.

· Experience supporting programs through design, integration, testing, and fielding.

· Ability to influence technical direction across multiple teams and stakeholders.

· Strong communication and leadership skills.

· Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, or related field.

· Experience with Directed Energy, High Energy Laser, EO/IR, missile defense, advanced sensing, aerospace, or other high-performance defense systems.

· Experience working with DoD customers, laboratories, and prime contractors.

· Existing Secret or Top Secret clearance.

· Experience in Power Systems, Thermal Management, Systems Engineering, Mechanical and Integrated System Design, and Directed Energy Technologies.

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.