HEL Technical Lead

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 HEL Technical Lead will serve as a technical authority and program integrator, guiding the design, development, and performance verification of HEL systems and subsystems. This role goes beyond engineering execution—it includes leading solution development, supporting proposals, and engaging directly with customers to define requirements and deliver innovative, mission-focused capabilities. The Technical Lead will work across hardware, software, and system-level interfaces to ensure safe, reliable, and high-precision operation of HEL platforms, while also driving technical strategy, influencing design decisions, and supporting business growth initiatives.

Roles and Responsibilities

· Lead technical solution development for HEL systems, ensuring alignment with customer needs and program objectives.

· Support proposal efforts, including writing technical volumes, estimating engineering scope, and presenting solutions during customer reviews.

· Engage with customers and stakeholders to capture requirements, communicate technical approaches, and build trusted relationships.

· 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.

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

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

Basic Qualifications

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

· Minimum 6 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related fields, with demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks.

· Proven experience in developing and analyzing control systems (PID, model-based control, sensor fusion, real-time control) for complex platforms.

· Hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, data acquisition systems, and embedded control hardware.

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

· Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.

· Excellent analytical problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.

· Exceptional communication skills for engaging with customers, presenting technical solutions, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.

· 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 systems, directed energy technologies, optical or precision pointing systems.

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

· Understanding of electro-optical systems, beam control technologies, and thermal/power systems.

· Familiarity with DoD systems engineering processes, requirements development, and verification/validation.

· Experience supporting proposal development, including writing technical volumes and presenting solutions to customers.

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

· Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.

· Demonstrated ability to lead technical solution development, influence design decisions, and support business growth initiatives.

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.