Chief Technologist, Directed Energy Systems

Title:

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

Bachelors 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 teams 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.