System Controls Engineer — Huntsville, AL at KBR, Inc.

About the Team

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.

About the Role

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.

You will collaborate closely with systems engineers, software developers, mechanical engineers, test teams, and program leadership to advance HEL capabilities from concept through fielding. The role demands a blend of analytical rigor and practical engineering to diagnose complex system behaviors, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with rigorous DoD standards and safety requirements.

Culture & Values

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 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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Work location

Work model: On-site

1267, Hermitage Avenue Southeast, Echols Hill, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, 35801, United States

Huntsville, Alabama

Key Responsibilities

check_circleDesign, develop, and analyze control systems for HEL subsystems including beam control and safety systems
check_circleImplement control algorithms, signal processing routines, and feedback loops to achieve precision laser performance
check_circleIntegrate sensors, actuators, control hardware, and embedded software into HEL testbeds and fielded systems
check_circleConduct modeling and simulation of control loops, system dynamics, and performance predictions
check_circleSupport system integration, laboratory testing, field testing, and troubleshooting of HEL prototype systems
check_circleAnalyze system data to identify performance issues, root causes, and optimization opportunities
check_circleEnsure compliance with DoD standards, safety requirements, and program technical baselines
check_circleGenerate technical documentation, test procedures, test reports, and design artifacts in accordance with program requirements

Requirements

verifiedBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, Controls Engineering, or related discipline
verifiedMinimum 5 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related disciplines
verifiedU.S. Citizenship required
verifiedAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance

Nice to Have

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. 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.

Benefits & Perks

check_circle401K plan with company matchcheck_circleMedical, dental, and vision insurancecheck_circleLife insurance and AD&D coveragecheck_circleFlexible spending accountDisability insurance

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Controls Engineering, Systems Engineering, Embedded Systems, Pid, Model-Based Control, Sensor Fusion, Real-Time Control, Matlab/simulink, Labview, Embedded Software.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required; Master's degree in Engineering or related field preferred.

Frequently asked questions about System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc.

What does a System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. do?expand_more

Day-to-day, the System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. will design, develop, and analyze control systems for hel subsystems including beam control and safety systems; 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; and conduct modeling and simulation of control loops, system dynamics, and performance predictions.

What are the requirements for this System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role?expand_more

To qualify for the System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, Controls Engineering, or related discipline; Minimum 5 years of experience in systems engineering, controls engineering, embedded systems, or related disciplines; U.S. Citizenship required; and Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Where is the System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role at KBR, Inc. located?expand_more

System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. is based in 1267, Hermitage Avenue Southeast, Echols Hill, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, 35801, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

KBR, Inc. has listed this System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role?expand_more

System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the senior level.

What skills do you need for the System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role at KBR, Inc.?expand_more

Key skills for System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. include Controls Engineering; Systems Engineering; Embedded Systems; Pid; Model-Based Control; Sensor Fusion; Real-Time Control; and Matlab/simulink.

What education is required for System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc.?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required; and Master's degree in Engineering or related field preferred.

What category does the System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance role belong to?expand_more

System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance at KBR, Inc. is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.

System/Controls Engineer with Security Clearance