Technical Program Manager – Advanced Engineering and Prototyping

KBR, Inc.
Full-time$155k-233k/year (USD)Lexington Park, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Program Manager – Advanced Engineering and Prototyping

Company: KBR, Inc.

Location: Lexington Park, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Operations Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead KBR's specialized engineering lab in Lexington Park, MD, focusing on rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing, technology integration, and reverse engineering for mission-critical defense programs.

  • Serve as the Chief Engineer and senior technical authority, guiding the technical vision and engineering execution for a highly skilled team transforming concepts into operationally relevant solutions.

  • Oversee the full systems engineering lifecycle from concept development through integration, testing, and transition to production or operational deployment, ensuring successful execution of multiple concurrent engineering and RDT&E efforts.

  • Drive business development and customer engagement by representing the organization as a trusted technical advisor, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, and cultivating strategic partnerships within the defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly positioned at a senior level within advanced engineering and prototyping operations, with a strong emphasis on technical leadership, program execution, and business growth within the defense sector. The "Chief Engineer" designation highlights the significant technical authority and responsibility expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic technical leadership across concept development, requirements definition, system architecture, design, integration, testing, evaluation, and transition to production/operational deployment for advanced aviation, defense, and technology development programs.

  • Establish and maintain engineering vision, technical rigor, and 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 to address evolving customer mission requirements.

  • Provide leadership and oversight of engineering laboratory, integration facility, and test environments, directing test planning, demonstrations, capability development, laboratory operations, workforce planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure investments.

  • 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 to achieve program objectives and customer satisfaction.

  • Represent the organization as a trusted technical advisor to customers, industry partners, and senior leadership, partnering with business development and capture teams to identify, shape, and pursue new opportunities.

  • Lead technical interchange meetings, design reviews, risk assessments, and other customer-facing activities, ensuring engineering solutions align with mission objectives, contractual commitments, and business priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in advanced engineering and prototyping, coupled with strong program management and business development acumen, typical of senior roles in defense contracting. The focus on "Chief Engineer" and "senior technical authority" indicates a high degree of autonomy and decision-making power.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

  • Master's degree is preferred, indicating a strong preference for advanced academic grounding in engineering principles. Experience:

  • A minimum of 12+ years of progressive engineering leadership experience is required, demonstrating a significant track record in managing technical teams and projects.

  • Extensive experience supporting NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or other Department of Defense (DoD) aviation programs is essential for understanding the specific operational context and customer needs.

  • Demonstrated systems engineering experience encompassing the entire lifecycle from concept initiation through integration and comprehensive testing phases.

  • Hands-on experience with hardware development, avionics systems, mission systems, test systems, or aerospace platforms is critical for practical application of technical knowledge.

  • Familiarity with Digital Engineering principles, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), or other advanced development technologies is highly valued for modern engineering practices. Required Skills:

  • Technical Leadership: Proven ability to guide, mentor, and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, setting technical direction and fostering innovation.

  • Systems Engineering Expertise: Comprehensive understanding and application of systems engineering methodologies throughout the product lifecycle.

  • Advanced Engineering & Prototyping: Deep knowledge and practical experience in rapid prototyping, advanced manufacturing techniques, and technology integration.

  • DoD Aviation Program Support: Specific experience and understanding of the requirements, processes, and stakeholders within NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or similar DoD aviation environments.

  • Requirements Analysis & Architecture Development: Skill in defining, analyzing, and translating complex requirements into robust system architectures.

  • Test Planning & Execution: Ability to develop and oversee comprehensive test plans, manage test environments, and interpret results for validation and verification.

  • Business Development & Capture: Experience in identifying, shaping, and pursuing new business opportunities, including proposal development and customer engagement.

  • Active Secret Clearance: A mandatory requirement for accessing sensitive program information and technologies.

Preferred Skills:

  • Business Development and Capture Activities: Direct experience in contributing to or leading business development and capture efforts, including strategic planning and proposal writing.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License: Indicates a high level of professional engineering competency and adherence to industry standards.

  • AS9100 or ISO 9001 Environments: Familiarity with quality management systems common in the aerospace and defense industries, demonstrating a commitment to process and quality.

  • IRAD (Independent Research and Development) Efforts: Experience leading or managing internal R&D initiatives to explore new technologies and capabilities.

  • Additive Manufacturing: Practical knowledge and application of 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques for prototyping and production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly delineate a senior technical role requiring a strong foundation in systems engineering and DoD aviation programs, combined with leadership and business development capabilities. The preferred qualifications suggest a desire for candidates who can drive innovation and adhere to stringent quality standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Technical Program Deliverables: Showcase examples of successfully managed technical programs, highlighting the scope, complexity, and outcomes achieved. This could include project plans, technical reports, and final system documentation.

  • Process Improvement Case Studies: Present documented instances of identifying operational inefficiencies, proposing and implementing process improvements, and quantifying the resulting gains in efficiency, cost savings, or performance enhancement.

  • System Design & Architecture Examples: Include diagrams, documentation, or descriptions of system architectures and design decisions made for complex engineering projects, demonstrating an understanding of trade-offs and best practices.

  • Prototype Development Showcase: Provide evidence of contributions to or leadership of rapid prototyping initiatives, including conceptualization, design, fabrication, and testing phases, with a focus on speed and innovation.

Process Documentation:

  • Systems Engineering Lifecycle Documentation: Demonstrate experience in creating and managing comprehensive documentation throughout the systems engineering lifecycle, from initial requirements and architecture to verification and validation plans and reports.

  • Test and Evaluation Plans: Showcase examples of detailed test and evaluation plans, including test objectives, methodologies, success criteria, and data analysis procedures for complex engineering systems.

  • Digital Engineering & MBSE Artifacts: If applicable, include examples of models, simulations, or digital engineering artifacts that illustrate the application of these advanced methodologies in design, analysis, or integration.

  • Risk Management Documentation: Present examples of risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and tracking processes implemented for engineering programs, demonstrating proactive risk management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this caliber in advanced engineering and prototyping, a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end program management, technical depth in relevant domains (systems engineering, prototyping), and a track record of process improvement is critical. The emphasis on digital engineering and modern development technologies suggests these should be highlighted if possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

  • This salary range is based on the national average and will be adjusted based on the selected candidate’s specific location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, contract affordability, and internal parity.

  • Location Adjustment: Candidates in higher cost-of-living areas or with exceptional qualifications may be offered a salary at the higher end of the range or potentially above it, subject to contract and internal policies.

Additional Compensation:

  • KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation based on internal policy or contractual designation. This can include sign-on bonuses, relocation benefits, short-term incentives (STIs), long-term incentives (LTIs), or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. Benefits:

  • Retirement Savings: 401K plan with a company match, providing a strong incentive for long-term financial planning.

  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to cover employee and potentially dependent healthcare needs.

  • Insurance Coverage: Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for financial security.

  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for pre-tax savings on healthcare or dependent care expenses.

  • Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide income replacement in case of short-term or long-term disability.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off for vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

  • Work Schedule Flexibility: Potential for a flexible work schedule, allowing for better work-life integration.

  • Professional Development: Support for career advancement through professional training and development programs, including potential for certifications and advanced learning.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

  • While the standard is 40 hours, the mention of a "flexible work schedule" among benefits suggests some degree of adaptability may be possible, though core project demands will likely dictate significant time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior Technical Program Manager role, especially in the defense sector. The detailed benefits package is robust, reflecting KBR's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. The note about location adjustment is crucial for candidates outside of typical high-cost defense hubs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Engineering Services, Technology Solutions. KBR operates in a highly regulated and critical sector, requiring precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent quality and security standards. This industry context means a strong focus on mission success, safety, and innovation within complex technological domains.

Company Size: KBR is a large, global corporation (implied by the extensive benefits and global operations). This size offers stability, significant resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement. For operations professionals, this often translates to structured processes, established career paths, and extensive cross-functional collaboration opportunities.

Founded: KBR has a long history (founded in 1901 as M.W. Kellogg Co., evolving through various mergers and acquisitions). This longevity suggests a stable company with deep industry experience and a proven ability to adapt to market changes, particularly in engineering and defense sectors.

Team Structure:

  • The role leads a specialized engineering lab, implying a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and potentially program support staff focused on advanced R&D, prototyping, and manufacturing.

  • The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a senior director or vice president within KBR's engineering or advanced capabilities division, with direct oversight of the lab's technical staff.

  • Cross-functional collaboration will be extensive, involving business development, program management, procurement, quality assurance, and potentially other engineering disciplines across KBR, as well as external customers (DoD agencies) and industry partners. Methodology:

  • Data Analysis & Insights: The team will leverage data from testing, simulations, and operational feedback to drive engineering decisions, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate program success.

  • Workflow Planning & Optimization: Emphasis will be placed on efficient workflow design for rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing, ensuring speed, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This includes managing multiple concurrent projects.

  • Automation & Efficiency Practices: Modern engineering practices, including digital engineering, MBSE, and potentially advanced manufacturing automation, will be key to achieving project goals and maintaining a competitive edge.

Company Website: https://www.kbr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's extensive history and global presence in the aerospace and defense sector suggest a culture that values technical excellence, reliability, and long-term partnerships. The specific lab in Lexington Park will likely foster a high-performance environment focused on cutting-edge technology development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level Technical Program Manager role, acting as a "Chief Engineer" for a specialized advanced engineering and prototyping lab. It signifies a leadership position with significant technical authority, responsibility for strategic direction, and a direct impact on business growth and customer relationships. The role requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong management/business acumen.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior leadership within KBR's engineering or advanced capabilities division. Direct reports will include engineers, technicians, and potentially project leads within the lab. This structure allows for significant autonomy in technical decision-making while ensuring alignment with broader company objectives.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role directly contribute to KBR's revenue and strategic positioning in the defense sector. By delivering cutting-edge prototypes, advanced manufacturing solutions, and technology integration, the role supports winning new contracts, retaining existing customers, and driving innovation that keeps KBR competitive. The ability to influence technical vision and pursue new business opportunities underscores its critical impact.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into higher-level executive roles within KBR's engineering, R&D, or program management functions, potentially overseeing larger divisions or more complex portfolios.

  • Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific advanced technologies (e.g., AI in engineering, advanced materials, quantum computing applications) and become a recognized subject matter expert within KBR and the industry.

  • Business Development Expansion: Grow into roles with greater responsibility for strategic capture, proposal leadership, and client relationship management, driving significant business growth for KBR.

  • Cross-Divisional Opportunities: Leverage experience to transition into roles in other KBR divisions or explore opportunities in government program leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is clearly defined towards senior leadership and strategic influence within the defense and engineering services sector. The emphasis on both technical mastery and business development provides a well-rounded growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily on-site, involving leadership of a specialized engineering laboratory and integration facility. The environment will be a blend of office space for planning, design, and meetings, and hands-on laboratory/workshop settings for prototyping, manufacturing, and testing.

Office Location(s): Lexington Park, Maryland, United States. This location is a significant hub for naval aviation and defense-related research and development, particularly associated with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. This proximity offers direct access to key customers and industry partners.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will be highly collaborative, requiring constant interaction with a team of specialized engineers and technicians, as well as frequent engagement with external stakeholders (customers, partners, business development teams).

  • Access to state-of-the-art operations tools and technology will be paramount, including advanced engineering software, digital design tools, simulation platforms, and various advanced manufacturing equipment (e.g., 3D printers, CNC machines).

  • Opportunities for hands-on involvement and direct observation of prototyping and testing processes will be integral to the role, fostering a dynamic and results-oriented atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, given the nature of advanced engineering, prototyping, and defense program deadlines, significant flexibility and potentially extended hours may be required to meet critical project milestones, customer demonstrations, or urgent operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Lexington Park is strategic, placing the role at the heart of a key defense innovation ecosystem. The workspace will be technologically advanced and collaborative, demanding a hands-on leadership approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the basic and preferred qualifications, including clearance status, experience level, and specific technical/programmatic background.

  • Technical & Leadership Interview: A deep dive into your engineering leadership experience, systems engineering methodologies, experience with DoD aviation programs, and your approach to managing advanced engineering and prototyping projects. Be prepared to discuss complex technical challenges you've overcome.

  • Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present specific examples from your portfolio showcasing your work in technical program management, process improvement, and/or advanced prototyping. Focus on demonstrating impact, problem-solving skills, and technical authority.

  • Business Development & Customer Engagement Discussion: An assessment of your experience and approach to customer interaction, identifying new opportunities, and supporting capture and proposal efforts.

  • Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the role, potentially including a final assessment of leadership potential and business acumen.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 key projects that best demonstrate your leadership in advanced engineering, prototyping, and program management within the defense sector. Highlight your specific contributions and impact.

  • Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your proposed solution, the processes you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, performance enhancements, successful technology transition). Use data to back up your claims.

  • Showcase Process Ownership: Detail the systems engineering, prototyping, and/or quality management processes you established, improved, or rigorously followed. Explain how these processes led to successful outcomes.

  • Highlight Technical Authority: Be prepared to discuss complex technical decisions, trade-offs, and how you leveraged your expertise to guide technical direction and resolve challenges.

  • Tailor to KBR: Research KBR's current projects, technologies, and strategic goals in the aerospace and defense sector. Frame your portfolio examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with their business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technical Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions that require you to apply systems engineering principles to a hypothetical advanced engineering or prototyping challenge relevant to defense applications.

  • Program Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would manage competing priorities, budget constraints, and schedule pressures for multiple concurrent RDT&E projects.

  • Business Development Strategy: Prepare to outline how you would identify and pursue new business opportunities within the DoD aviation space, leveraging your technical credibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both technical depth and leadership capability, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating tangible results through a portfolio. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking and business development potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, or similar platforms for planning, tracking, and managing complex engineering programs and timelines.

  • Systems Engineering Tools: Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS), architecture frameworks (e.g., SysML/MBSE tools like Cameo Systems Modeler, Sparx Enterprise Architect), and simulation platforms.

  • Advanced Manufacturing Equipment: Familiarity with the operation and management of various prototyping and manufacturing technologies, such as CNC machines, 3D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS), laser cutters, and associated design software.

  • CAD/CAM Software: Expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software for design, modeling, and creating manufacturing instructions (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: Skills in using tools like MATLAB, Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas), or R for analyzing test data, simulation results, and performance metrics.

  • Reporting & Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, VBA), Tableau, Power BI, or custom reporting dashboards to present technical findings, program status, and ROI effectively.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: While not a direct sales role, familiarity with CRM principles and potentially systems like Salesforce for understanding customer engagement, opportunity tracking, and relationship management is beneficial.

  • Automation Tools: Understanding of workflow automation principles and potential application in engineering processes, testing, or reporting. Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automating repetitive tasks is valuable.

  • Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Confluence, or SharePoint for team communication, document sharing, and knowledge management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is diverse, encompassing project management, advanced design and simulation, manufacturing equipment, data analysis, and collaboration tools. A strong candidate will have experience with a broad range of these technologies, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to leveraging modern engineering tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Technical Excellence & Innovation: A core value driving the pursuit of cutting-edge solutions, pushing the boundaries of engineering and manufacturing to deliver superior capabilities.

  • Mission Focus & Accountability: A strong emphasis on understanding and fulfilling customer (DoD) mission requirements with a high degree of responsibility and accountability for deliverables.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse expertise is shared, and teams work cohesively to overcome complex technical challenges.

  • Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings with customers, partners, and colleagues, ensuring trust and reliability.

  • Safety & Quality: A paramount focus on maintaining a Zero Harm culture and adhering to stringent quality standards (e.g., AS9100) in all engineering and manufacturing processes.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with various departments, including business development, program management, supply chain, and quality assurance, ensuring all aspects of a project are aligned.

  • Customer-Centric Approach: A proactive and responsive style when interacting with DoD customers, translating their needs into actionable engineering plans and providing transparent updates.

  • Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: Encouraging an environment where experienced engineers mentor junior staff, and technical knowledge is actively shared through reviews, training, and documentation to build collective capability.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A collaborative process where decisions are informed by rigorous data analysis, testing results, and simulation outcomes, rather than solely by intuition.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's stated values of "Belong, Connect and Grow" and "Zero Harm" combined with the defense industry context suggest a culture that balances high performance with employee well-being and ethical conduct. The collaboration style will be proactive, customer-focused, and data-informed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the rapid advancements in areas like AI, additive manufacturing, and digital engineering to ensure KBR's solutions remain cutting-edge and competitive.

  • Complex DoD Requirements: Navigating and translating the intricate and often evolving requirements of defense programs, ensuring compliance and mission success.

  • Balancing Speed & Quality: The inherent tension between rapid prototyping/development cycles and the stringent quality and reliability demands of the aerospace and defense sector.

  • Resource Allocation & Prioritization: Effectively managing resources (personnel, budget, equipment) across multiple concurrent, high-stakes projects with competing demands.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Technology Immersion: Opportunities to work with and gain expertise in emerging technologies through IRAD projects and direct application in customer programs.

  • Leadership Development Programs: Access to KBR's internal leadership training, executive coaching, and mentorship programs to hone management and strategic decision-making skills.

  • Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key industry events (e.g., NDIA, AFA) and pursuing relevant certifications in program management (PMP), systems engineering (CSEP), or specialized technical areas.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader business understanding by working closely with business development, finance, and strategic planning teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior role in a dynamic, high-stakes industry, requiring continuous learning and strategic adaptation. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear pathways for both technical and leadership advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you served as the technical authority on a complex engineering program. What was the challenge, how did you guide the technical direction, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating technical leadership, decision-making process, and impact.)

  • "How would you approach developing a rapid prototyping strategy for a new defense system with unclear requirements and an aggressive timeline?" (Highlight your methodology for requirements definition, risk assessment, iterative development, and stakeholder communication.)

  • "Walk us through your experience in leading business development efforts or supporting capture campaigns within the DoD sector. What was your role, and how did you contribute to securing new business?" (Emphasize your ability to translate technical capabilities into compelling customer solutions and drive growth.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Based on your understanding of KBR and the aerospace/defense industry, what do you see as the biggest technical challenges facing our advanced engineering labs in the next 3-5 years?" (Show research into KBR's strategic direction and industry trends.)

  • "How do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within a highly technical team, especially when dealing with sensitive or classified projects?" (Discuss your leadership style, methods for encouraging idea sharing, and managing diverse personalities.)

  • "Describe your approach to ensuring both rapid turnaround and stringent quality standards in prototyping and advanced manufacturing. How do you balance these potentially conflicting demands?" (Demonstrate an understanding of process integration and risk management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and key achievements. For each portfolio example, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) but focus heavily on the "Action" (your specific leadership and technical decisions) and "Result" (quantifiable outcomes).

  • Visual Aids: Utilize clear, concise slides with diagrams, charts, and minimal text. If possible, include visuals of prototypes or systems you worked on (ensuring compliance with any confidentiality agreements).

  • Focus on Operations: Emphasize the processes you implemented or improved, how you managed resources, mitigated risks, and ensured successful program execution. Highlight your role as a technical leader and problem-solver.

  • Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to go off-script and delve deeper into specific technical aspects or challenges based on interviewer questions. Treat it as a technical discussion, not just a presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on quantifiable achievements, strategic thinking, and demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise with strong leadership and business development capabilities, tailored to the specific demands of the defense industry and KBR's operational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the KBR careers portal at the provided URL.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously customize your resume to highlight your 12+ years of engineering leadership experience, specific DoD aviation program support (NAVAIR, NAWCAD), systems engineering lifecycle expertise, and any experience with advanced engineering, prototyping, or digital technologies. Ensure your active Secret clearance is clearly stated.

  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 impactful projects that showcase your technical leadership, program management skills, and process improvement contributions. Quantify your achievements and be ready to present them clearly and concisely, focusing on your role and the outcomes.

  • Research KBR: Thoroughly research KBR's mission, values, current projects in the aerospace and defense sector, and recent news. Understand their strategic direction and how your skills align with their business objectives and the specific demands of the Lexington Park lab.

  • Practice Interview Responses: Prepare detailed answers to common behavioral and situational questions, particularly those related to technical leadership, program execution, risk management, and business development within the defense industry. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess an active Secret clearance and a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline with at least 12 years of leadership experience. Proven experience supporting NAVAIR, NAWCAD, or similar DoD aviation programs is required.