Astrodynamics & CONOP Developer

Astrodynamics & CONOP Developer

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.

Join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions team as an Astrodynamics & CONOP Developer. You'll develop, implement, and validate orbital dynamics algorithms and CONOP (Concept of Operations) strategies that support both offensive and defensive space mission sets, sensor planning, and space situational awareness.

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.

Location: On-site

Travel Requirements: Minimal 20%

Working Hours: Standard (20 hours per week Part Time)

$70.00 - $85.00 USD Hourly

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

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short term incentives, long term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and validate astrodynamics algorithms (e.g., orbit propagation, maneuver planning, estimation) using Python, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Create and refine CONOP frameworks for space system operationssatellite tasking, sensor coverage optimization, orbit determination, launch & rendezvous planning.
• Conduct sensor validation/verification and V&V algorithm development for space domain awareness (SDA) and satellite operations.
• Generate mission-critical analysis, visualizations, and reports to inform strategy and operational decisions.
• Integrate modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as STK, GMAT, FreeFlyer, and relevant COTS/National stand-alone tools.
• Support CONOP evolution through operational procedures, customer engagement, and interface definition.
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure mission success and operational readiness for launch, tracking, and satellite servicing scenarios.
• Ability to summarize complex astrodynamics and maneuver planning in written and oral form
• Maintain and contribute to a number of software code bases (python, matlab, etc) to perform analysis tasks
• Experience leading orbital design choices such as launch window analysis, spacecraft formation flying, statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulations, error budgets, and lighting condition analysis.

Required:

• Must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret clearance with SCI access.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of professional experience in astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, or satellite operations.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for algorithm development.
• Experience with orbit analysis, propagation, sensor modeling, and data visualization.
• Ability to support dynamic, mission-critical environments and work collaboratively

Desired:

• Active security clearance (SECRET or above).
• Experience with SDA, CONOP development, or orbital maneuver planning.
• Hands-on familiarity with STK, ODTK, GMAT, or FreeFlyer.
• Demonstrated experience in validation & verification of sensor/space systems.
• Experience developing operational procedures, supporting launch operations, or creating CONOP documentation.

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 at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

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.