System/Controls Engineer

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

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

The System / Controls Engineer will play a critical role in the design, development, integration, and performance verification of control systems that support High Energy Laser weapon platforms. This position involves working across hardware, software, and system-level interfaces to ensure reliable, safe, and high-precision operation of HEL subsystems—including beam control, power and thermal management, safety interlocks, sensors, and command-and-control interfaces.

The engineer will collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers, mechanical engineers, test teams, and program leadership to advance HEL capabilities from concept through fielding.

Roles and Responsibilities

· Design, develop, and analyze control systems for HEL subsystems (beam control, pointing & tracking, power/thermal control, diagnostics, safety systems, etc.).

· Define system and subsystem requirements, interface control documents (ICDs), and architecture for control and automation functions.

· Implement control algorithms, signal processing routines, and feedback loops to achieve precision laser performance.

· Integrate sensors, actuators, control hardware, and embedded software into HEL testbeds and fielded systems.

· Conduct modeling and simulation of control loops, system dynamics, and performance predictions.

· Support system integration, laboratory testing, field testing, and troubleshooting of HEL prototype and operational systems.

· Analyze system data to identify performance issues, root causes, and optimization opportunities.

· Ensure compliance with DoD standards, safety requirements, and program technical baselines.

· Work with cross-functional engineering teams to support design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making.

· Generate technical documentation, test procedures, test reports, and design artifacts in accordance with program requirements.

Basic Qualifications

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

· Minimum 5 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related disciplines.

· Hands-on experience developing and analyzing control systems (PID, model-based control, sensor fusion, real-time control).

· Experience working with sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, or embedded control hardware.

· Proficiency with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, or similar.

· Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.

· Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.

· Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.

· U.S. Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

· Master’s degree in Engineering or related field.

· Experience with High Energy Laser, directed energy, optical, or precision pointing systems.

· Background in real-time systems, embedded software, FPGA-based control, or high-speed data acquisition.

· An understanding of electro-optical systems, beam control technologies, or thermal/power systems.

· Knowledge of DoD systems engineering processes, requirements development, and verification/validation.

· Experience with computer vision algorithms, image processing, and closed loop video tracking.

· Prior experience supporting Army, Navy, Air Force, or OSD HEL programs.

· Active DoD Secret or Top-Secret clearance.

· Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks and support multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

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.