Technical Program Manager – Advanced Engineering and Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Program Manager – Advanced Engineering and Prototyping

Company: KBR

Location: Lexington Park, Maryland, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Management / Technical Program Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead KBR's specialized engineering lab in advanced aviation, defense, and technology development, focusing on rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing, and technology integration.

• Serve as the Chief Engineer and senior technical authority, guiding the technical vision, engineering execution, and growth of a highly skilled team.

• Drive business development and capture efforts by representing the organization as a trusted technical advisor to customers and partners.

• Oversee the full systems engineering lifecycle, ensuring successful execution of concurrent engineering, RDT&E, and product development efforts.

• Champion modernization initiatives, including digital engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced engineering toolsets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is heavily focused on technical program leadership within a government contracting environment, specifically supporting DoD aviation programs. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise, strategic program management, and business development acumen. The emphasis on "Advanced Engineering and Prototyping" suggests a hands-on, innovative, and rapid-development environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership across concept development, requirements definition, system architecture, design, integration, testing, evaluation, and transition to production or operational deployment.

• Serve as the final authority on complex technical decisions, balancing mission requirements, risk, cost, schedule, and operational considerations.

• Lead the development, maturation, and transition of advanced technologies, prototypes, and next-generation capabilities, evaluating emerging technologies and shaping technology roadmaps.

• Provide leadership and oversight of engineering laboratory, integration facility, and test environments supporting advanced development efforts, directing test planning, capability development, and resource allocation.

• Champion modernization initiatives, including digital engineering, modeling and simulation, and advanced engineering toolsets, to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.

• Oversee requirements analysis, architecture development, trade studies, design reviews, integration, verification, validation, qualification testing, technical documentation, and contractual deliverables.

• Represent KBR as a trusted technical advisor to customers, industry partners, and senior leadership, fostering strong relationships.

• Partner with business development and capture teams to identify, shape, and pursue new opportunities in engineering services, advanced technology development, and defense solutions.

• Lead technical interchange meetings, design reviews, and risk assessments, ensuring engineering solutions align with mission objectives and contractual commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role requiring not just technical oversight but also significant strategic input into business growth and customer relationship management within the defense sector. The emphasis on "Chief Engineer" and "senior technical authority" underscores the depth of technical decision-making expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Master's degree is preferred. Experience:

• 12+ years of engineering leadership experience.

• Experience supporting NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or other DoD aviation programs.

• Demonstrated systems engineering experience from concept through integration and testing.

• Proven experience with hardware development, avionics, mission systems, test systems, or aerospace platforms.

• Knowledge of Digital Engineering, MBSE, Modeling & Simulation, or advanced development technologies.

• Experience supporting business development and capture activities is preferred.

• Experience leading IRAD (Independent Research and Development) efforts is preferred.

• Experience with additive manufacturing, digital engineering, or advanced prototyping is preferred.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License is preferred. Required Skills:

• Active Secret clearance.

• Strong technical leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

• Deep understanding of systems engineering principles and lifecycle management.

• Expertise in DoD aviation programs, including NAVAIR/NAWCAD environments.

• Proficiency in requirements analysis, architecture development, and trade studies.

• Experience in hardware development, avionics, mission systems, or aerospace platforms.

• Knowledge of digital engineering concepts, MBSE, and/or modeling & simulation.

• Ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Excellent customer engagement, communication, and presentation skills.

• Experience with test planning, integration, verification, and validation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in business development, capture management, and proposal development.

• Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.

• Experience managing IRAD projects.

• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing and advanced prototyping techniques.

• PE License.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical depth in aerospace/defense engineering and strong leadership/management experience. The required clearance and specific DoD program support are critical filters. Preferred qualifications point towards candidates with a commercial/business development mindset and experience with cutting-edge manufacturing and digital technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of leadership in complex engineering programs, particularly within the DoD aviation sector.

• Examples demonstrating successful application of systems engineering principles from concept to deployment.

• Case studies detailing the development and integration of advanced technologies or prototypes, highlighting innovation and problem-solving.

• Evidence of managing technical teams and driving projects through the full engineering lifecycle.

• Documentation of contributions to business development, capture efforts, or strategic growth initiatives. Process Documentation:

• Examples of defining and implementing robust systems engineering processes, including requirements management, architecture design, and V&V.

• Documentation of experience with digital engineering tools, MBSE, or modeling and simulation environments, illustrating process integration.

• Case studies detailing the management of rapid prototyping or advanced manufacturing projects, emphasizing workflow efficiency and speed-to-market.

• Evidence of developing and executing test plans, risk assessments, and technical reviews for complex systems.

• Demonstration of how you have championed and implemented process improvements or modernization initiatives within engineering labs or teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this caliber, a portfolio demonstrating tangible results in technical leadership, systems engineering execution, and business growth is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate specific processes they've implemented or improved, particularly those related to advanced engineering, prototyping, and defense program execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $155,000 - $233,000 USD per year.

Explanation: This range is presented as based on the national average. The final offer will be determined by the candidate's location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, contract affordability, and internal parity.

Benefits:

• 401k plan with company match.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

• Flexible spending account.

• Disability insurance.

• Paid time off.

• Flexible work schedule.

• Professional training and development opportunities to support career advancement.

Working Hours: 40 hours/week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad and explicitly states it's based on national averages, indicating significant variability based on location and candidate qualifications. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large engineering and government contracting firm like KBR, with a strong emphasis on professional development which is critical for a Technical Program Manager role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Engineering Services, Government Contracting. KBR operates at the intersection of advanced technology development and mission-critical government support, particularly within the defense sector.

Company Size: KBR is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence. This size implies robust infrastructure, structured processes, and opportunities for broad impact and career mobility.

Founded: KBR has a long history dating back to 1901 (as M.W. Kellogg Company), evolving through various mergers and acquisitions to become a major player in engineering, construction, and technology services for government and industry. This longevity suggests stability and deep domain expertise.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a specialized engineering lab, likely comprising engineers, technicians, and program support staff focused on advanced engineering and prototyping.

• The reporting structure would likely place the Technical Program Manager under a senior director or vice president of engineering, advanced programs, or a similar executive role within KBR's defense sector.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving business development, capture teams, project managers, other engineering disciplines, procurement, and potentially customer representatives (e.g., NAVAIR personnel). Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging engineering analysis, simulation, and performance metrics to guide technical direction and program execution.

• Agile and iterative approaches to prototyping and development, emphasizing rapid feedback loops and adaptation to evolving customer needs.

• Robust systems engineering methodologies, ensuring rigorous design, integration, testing, and verification processes.

• A focus on innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Company Website: https://careers.kbr.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's established presence in defense contracting means the culture likely balances a structured, process-oriented environment with the need for innovation and rapid response required in advanced engineering and prototyping. The "People First" and "Zero Harm" culture initiatives suggest a focus on employee well-being and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Technical Program Management role, often referred to as a Principal or Senior Program Manager. It sits at the intersection of technical leadership and program execution, with significant strategic input into business growth and technology roadmapping. It demands deep subject matter expertise combined with strong leadership and business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior executive within KBR's defense or advanced engineering divisions, such as a VP of Engineering, Director of Advanced Programs, or similar. This position will likely manage a team of engineers and technical staff, and collaborate closely with business development and capture managers.

Operations Impact: The Technical Program Manager's impact is direct and significant, influencing the development of mission-critical capabilities for defense customers. Success in this role directly contributes to KBR's revenue, reputation, and strategic positioning within the aerospace and defense market by delivering innovative solutions, securing new contracts, and fostering strong customer relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific advanced technologies (e.g., AI/ML in defense, advanced materials, cyber-physical systems) or specific program domains (e.g., unmanned systems, electronic warfare).

• Program Management Expansion: Transition to managing larger, more complex programs or portfolios of programs with increased budget and team scope.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into executive leadership roles, such as Director of Engineering, VP of Advanced Programs, or a senior business development leadership position.

• Business Development & Strategy: Lead capture efforts for major programs, shape strategic technology investments, or contribute to KBR's overall GTM strategy for its defense sector.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Move into roles overseeing broader engineering functions, R&D initiatives, or strategic partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for individuals aiming for senior technical leadership or executive management within the defense contracting industry. The dual focus on technical execution and business development provides diverse avenues for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is on-site in Lexington Park, Maryland. It will involve working within KBR's engineering facilities, which likely include office spaces, laboratories, integration areas, and potentially test facilities.

Office Location(s): Lexington Park, Maryland (specifically within the 20653 zip code), a region known for its strong ties to the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. This location offers proximity to key customers and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be highly collaborative, requiring close interaction with a team of engineers, technicians, and program managers.

• Access to advanced engineering tools, prototyping equipment, digital design software, and potentially simulation environments will be integral to the daily work.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, driven by the rapid development and prototyping nature of the work and the demands of defense contracts.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with customer representatives will be frequent, fostering a results-oriented and mission-focused atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of program deadlines and customer demands in defense contracting, flexibility and occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical milestones or address urgent technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The location in Lexington Park is strategic, placing the candidate at the heart of naval aviation technology development, facilitating direct collaboration with key stakeholders and customers. The on-site requirement underscores the hands-on nature of the role and the need for direct team and facility oversight.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, salary expectations, and overall fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on technical leadership experience, program management approach, systems engineering expertise, and understanding of DoD aviation programs. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your background.

• Technical Panel Interview: A panel of senior engineers and technical leads will assess your technical depth, problem-solving skills, and experience with advanced engineering, prototyping, and digital technologies. Expect detailed technical questions and scenario-based challenges.

• Cross-functional/Business Development Interview: This may involve meeting with individuals from business development, capture management, or other senior leaders to evaluate your ability to engage customers, contribute to growth, and align technical efforts with business strategy.

• Final Interview/Executive Review: Potentially a meeting with a senior executive (e.g., VP) to discuss strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and overall fit within KBR's organizational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to highlight key achievements, focusing on quantifiable results and impact on program success, cost, schedule, or technical capability.

• Showcase Technical Leadership: Include examples of how you've guided teams through complex technical challenges, made critical design decisions, and fostered innovation.

• Demonstrate Systems Engineering Rigor: Present case studies that illustrate your application of systems engineering methodologies, from requirements definition to V&V, especially for complex aerospace or defense systems.

• Highlight Prototyping & Advanced Manufacturing: If possible, include examples of rapid prototyping projects, additive manufacturing applications, or technology integration efforts, detailing the process and outcomes.

• Quantify Business Development Contributions: If applicable, showcase how you've supported capture efforts, identified new opportunities, or strengthened customer relationships, with measurable outcomes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience relevant to NAVAIR, NAWCAD, avionics, mission systems, and digital engineering.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical complex technical challenge related to advanced engineering, prototyping, or system integration in a defense context.

• Program Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing competing priorities, mitigating risks, controlling costs, and ensuring on-time delivery for RDT&E programs.

• Leadership & Team Management: Practice articulating your leadership style, how you motivate teams, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative and high-performing engineering environment.

• Digital Engineering & Modernization: Be prepared to discuss your experience and vision for implementing digital engineering, MBSE, and advanced simulation/modeling tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely multi-stage and rigorous, reflecting the seniority and criticality of the role. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates technical leadership, program execution, and business development contributions will be essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or similar for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables.

• Systems Engineering Tools: Requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS), MBSE/modeling tools (e.g., Cameo Systems Modeler, Enterprise Architect), simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS).

• CAD/CAM Software: For design and manufacturing, potentially including SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, or specialized additive manufacturing software.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing performance data, test results, and project metrics using tools like Excel, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy), or specialized analytics platforms.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience creating and interpreting dashboards (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to communicate program status, technical performance, and key metrics to stakeholders.

• Financial Tracking Tools: Familiarity with tools for budget tracking and financial reporting within project management contexts.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, understanding CRM principles or specific defense industry CRM tools might be beneficial for customer engagement tracking.

• Automation Tools: Experience with automating engineering workflows, testing procedures, or reporting processes using scripting languages (e.g., Python) or specialized automation software.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how to integrate different software tools and systems to create seamless engineering workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack will heavily lean towards engineering design, simulation, project management, and defense-specific software. A strong understanding of digital engineering tools and methodologies is explicitly called out as important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to rigorous engineering, innovation, and delivering high-quality, reliable solutions that meet demanding mission requirements.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing customer needs and objectives, building trust through technical expertise, clear communication, and dependable delivery.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse technical teams work together effectively, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards, taking ownership of responsibilities, and ensuring transparency in all aspects of program execution and reporting.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies, embracing advanced methodologies, and consistently seeking ways to optimize processes and enhance capabilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between engineering, business development, program management, and potentially government customer representatives is paramount.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making are grounded in technical data, analysis, and performance metrics, fostering objective problem-solving.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and frequent communication channels to ensure alignment, address challenges early, and manage expectations effectively.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages senior technical staff to mentor junior engineers, and where best practices and lessons learned are actively shared across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects KBR's position as a major defense contractor, emphasizing precision, reliability, and a strong sense of mission. The blend of advanced engineering and program management requires a collaborative spirit with a clear focus on delivering tangible, mission-critical results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Innovation with Program Constraints: Navigating the need to explore cutting-edge technologies and rapid prototyping while adhering to strict DoD program requirements, budgets, and schedules.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively aligning the interests and requirements of various stakeholders, including internal KBR leadership, business development teams, and multiple customer representatives (e.g., NAVAIR).

• Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape: Keeping pace with advancements in areas like AI, additive manufacturing, and digital engineering, and integrating them effectively into defense solutions.

• Navigating Government Contracting Complexities: Understanding and managing the intricacies of DoD contracts, security requirements (Secret clearance), and compliance regulations.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining highly skilled engineers and technical talent in a competitive market, particularly in specialized fields.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Certifications: Pursuing certifications in specialized areas of engineering, program management, or digital technologies relevant to defense applications.

• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in KBR's internal leadership training and development programs to hone management and strategic decision-making skills.

• Industry Conferences & Forums: Attending key aerospace and defense industry events (e.g., AFA, NDIA events) to stay abreast of trends, network, and gain insights.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Gaining hands-on experience with emerging technologies through R&D projects, prototyping efforts, and strategic partnerships.

• Cross-functional Rotations/Exposure: Opportunities to work closely with business development, strategy, or other operational units to broaden understanding of the defense contracting business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in the defense sector, requiring resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The growth opportunities are geared towards further specialization and advancement within KBR's defense operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a team through a complex technical challenge in an advanced engineering or prototyping project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, technical decision-making, and results.)

• "How would you approach defining the technical strategy for a new rapid prototyping initiative for a defense customer, balancing innovation with contractual requirements?" (Assess strategic thinking, understanding of prototyping, and ability to manage constraints.)

• "Walk us through your experience with digital engineering, MBSE, or advanced modeling and simulation. How have you leveraged these to improve engineering processes or project outcomes?" (Evaluate technical depth and adoption of modern engineering practices.)

• "Describe your experience supporting business development or capture efforts. How do you, as a technical leader, contribute to identifying and winning new opportunities?" (Gauge business acumen and ability to translate technical capabilities into business value.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about KBR's work in the aerospace and defense sector, particularly regarding advanced engineering and prototyping?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence within an engineering team, while also ensuring adherence to strict quality and security standards?" (Assess leadership philosophy and cultural fit.)

• "How do you prioritize and manage competing demands from different stakeholders (e.g., customers, internal leadership, team members) on your programs?" (Evaluate organizational skills and stakeholder management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Impact-Oriented Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations around clear narratives: the challenge, your approach/solution, and the measurable impact/results.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, performance enhancements, successful technology transitions).

• Visualize Technical Concepts: Use diagrams, schematics, or visuals to explain complex technical aspects of your projects clearly and concisely.

• Highlight Leadership and Team Contributions: Emphasize your role in guiding teams, mentoring individuals, and fostering collaboration.

• Tailor to KBR: Connect your experience and achievements to KBR's known areas of expertise and strategic goals within the defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical depth, program leadership, strategic thinking, and business development capabilities. Candidates should be ready to provide concrete examples and articulate their value proposition clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Technical Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the KBR careers portal via the provided link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in technical leadership, systems engineering, DoD aviation programs (especially NAVAIR/NAWCAD), advanced engineering, rapid prototyping, and business development. Use keywords from the job description and ensure achievements are quantifiable.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a portfolio that showcases your leadership in complex engineering programs, systems engineering execution, and any contributions to business development or capture efforts. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions by practicing your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on illustrating your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership approach.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research KBR's current projects, strategic initiatives in the aerospace and defense sector, and its company values. Understand their position in the market and their relationship with key customers like NAVAIR.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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