Kbr, Inc.
Provides engineering, procurement, construction and technology solutions to government and industry worldwide.
Lead RF Engineer
Lead RF Engineer designing real-time RF/DSP and cybersecurity solutions for defense.
Job Highlights
About the Role
• Lead full-cycle development of real-time, resource-constrained systems (e.g., SDR-based adaptive filtering, GPS spoofing mitigation) using AI/ML and DSP. • Architect and prototype cybersecurity capabilities to counter SIGINT threats, jamming, and target tracking challenges. • Collaborate with stakeholders to design functional prototypes meeting operational constraints. • Mentor junior engineers in software development, problem-solving, and embedded lifecycle management.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸ai/ml
- ▸dsp
- ▸cybersecurity
- ▸prototyping
- ▸mentorship
What You Bring
KBR is looking for a Lead RF Engineer with expertise in signal processing, embedded systems, and cybersecurity to support mission-critical defense programs. The position demands hands-on experience in real-time software development (C/C++, Python), digital signal processing, and RF engineering, as well as the ability to lead and mentor technical teams. The role focuses on SIGINT applications, SWaP-constrained systems, and AI development for national security challenges. The position is based on-site in Colorado Springs, CO, with minimal travel and standard working hours. Candidates must hold an active Top Secret/SCI clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. • Communicate complex technical concepts to senior leadership and non-specialist audiences. • Active U.S. government Top Secret/SCI clearance (U.S. citizen). • PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. • 5+ years experience on DoD/intelligence programs (SIGINT, SATCOM, RF systems). • Proficiency in DSP algorithm design, embedded C/C++ and Python development, and real-time system integration. • Experience with RF prototyping tools (SDR, MATLAB) and low-level hardware interfaces. • Demonstrated technical leadership and mentorship of junior staff. • Desired: Experience applying AI/ML to signal analysis or cybersecurity (e.g., ML-enhanced emitter classification). • Desired: Strong commitment to innovative, field-deployable cyber-physical sensing systems.
Requirements
- ▸dsp
- ▸c/c++
- ▸python
- ▸matlab
- ▸top secret
- ▸phd/ms
Benefits
The role offers the chance to work on prototype projects for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the primary R&D center for the Air Force, delivering affordable warfighting technologies. KBR promotes a collaborative, Agile/DevOps culture where cross-functional teams iterate rapidly and share knowledge. Your work will directly support Air Force capabilities and engage with partners across the intelligence community, DoD, national labs, industry, academia, and allied nations. Base salary for Colorado Springs ranges from $148,600 to $222,900, dependent on experience and internal parity. Additional compensation may include bonuses, sign-on payments, relocation assistance, and performance incentives. • Base salary $148,600–$222,900 (Colorado Springs) based on knowledge, skills, and experience. • Potential bonuses, commissions, sign-on, relocation assistance, and short- and long-term performance incentives.
Work Environment
Onsite