The Software Systems Engineer provides systems engineering and integration leadership to the Government / DoD for software‑intensive mission capabilities. The role focuses on defining, decomposing, and validating requirements for prime contractor software deliverables, and leading system-of-systems software integration back into DoD programs and operational environments,
This position is best suited for a senior engineer who can operate as the Government’s technical integrator—driving interfaces, verification, risk reduction, and deployment alignment across multiple contractors and DoD enclaves.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Provide engineering analysis and SE&I leadership for secure software applications supporting DoD mission planning and operations, with emphasis on integration oversight rather than feature factory development.
Serve as the Government’s technical integrator across PTS‑G software elements other Space Force / DoD product teams, ensuring interoperability, data flow, message correctness, and operational alignment.
Lead Government coordination with prime contractors and stakeholders to define mission use cases, system constraints, and integration priorities within governed DoD environments.
Develop, refine, and manage software and interface requirements for prime contractors, including: – Interface requirements and message/data definitions (e.g., schema/API expectations)
Operational constraints for IL environments and cross‑domain data movement
Produce and maintain Government technical artifacts used for contractor direction and evaluation, such as:
Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
Interface Requirements Specifications (IRS)
Verification cross‑references and requirements traceability
Test objectives, evaluation criteria, and acceptance measures (software integration focused)
Plan and oversee software integration into restricted DoD operating environments, including air‑gapped and classified deployments, addressing sustainment constraints, network limitations, and accreditation realities.
Coordinate software deployment and integration activities with Government teams and primes using DoD‑aligned DevSecOps pipelines, including automated testing, security scanning, artifact management, and compliant delivery processes
Ensure end‑to‑end integration supports mission workflows requiring cross‑domain data transport (when applicable), and that interfaces are testable and operationally supportable.
Define and lead software integration verification strategy: integration test approach, exit criteria, defect triage patterns, and readiness recommendations for Government decisions.
Drive continuous improvement via architecture and tooling recommendations to improve integration reliability, repeatability, and sustainment readiness.
Develop and present decision packages, technical recommendations, and risk assessments to customers at multiple levels; facilitate technical interchange with primes and Government teams.
Mentor engineers on secure integration patterns, interface discipline, verification rigor, and defense software engineering best practices.
Work Environment
Location: On-site
Travel Requirements: Minimal
Working Hours: Standard
Qualifications
Required
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, or related discipline
5 years’ experience in software systems engineering or software integration, including defining requirements and leading integration across teams
Demonstrated experience in software systems engineering, including requirements decomposition, architecture definition, interface specifications, verification strategy, and integration oversight
Strong understanding of secure software development lifecycle, secure design principles, and embedding security requirements early in the lifecycle.
Experience with service‑oriented architectures, microservices, and designing/assessing secure APIs and data interfaces
Familiarity with cybersecurity processes relevant to DoD delivery, including RMF awareness and ATO‑supporting technical artifacts, as applicable to software
Proven ability to work across software, systems, and cybersecurity teams and to drive alignment among Government stakeholders and prime contractors
Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to produce and brief clear recommendations, risks, and options to non‑developer stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in regulated, mission‑driven environments
Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Desired
Active Secret or higher clearance
Experience working with or deploying software to DoD networks, classified environments, or mission systems
Familiarity with DoD‑aligned DevSecOps frameworks.
Knowledge of STIG hardening, security controls, and vulnerability management tools
Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and containerized deployment strategies, including operation in disconnected or restricted networks
Experience with AWS GovCloud and/or Azure Government environments
Familiarity with Jira and Confluence for Agile planning and documentation
Experience implementing Agile development methodologies in government or defense programs
Background in systems integration, interface control documents (ICDs), or system‑of‑systems engineering
Systems engineering or program management certifications such as CSEP, ESEP, PMI / PMP
Basic Compensation: $121,000-$151,000 in California
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.
