Demo

Aerospace Engineer

KBR Careers
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 6/15/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/12/2026
Title

Aerospace Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.

KBR is seeking a highly motivated Aerospace Engineer with expertise in aerospace materials, molecular beam experimentation, high-temperature materials, and materials characterization. The successful candidate will support research and development efforts focused on the behavior, performance, and degradation of advanced materials in extreme aerospace environments. This role is ideal for a researcher with a strong background in aerospace engineering, materials science, chemistry, oxidation processes, molecular beam experimental methods, and analytical characterization techniques, including mass spectrometry.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Work Environment

  • Location: On-site (*No Telework/hybrid arrangements available)
  • Work hours: 0600-1430, with some overtime, based on mission needs
  • Travel Requirements: 5-10%
  • Working Hours: Standard

Basic Compensation

$120,00 - $125,000 USD annually

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Key Responsibilities

  • The candidate will conduct experimental and analytical research related to advanced aerospace materials and their performance under high-temperature and chemically reactive conditions. Responsibilities include designing and executing laboratory experiments, developing and conducting molecular beam experiments, characterizing material behavior, analyzing degradation mechanisms, and supporting the development of materials for aerospace and defense applications.
  • The candidate will investigate gas-surface interactions, oxidation, thermal stability, chemical reactivity, and performance limitations of aerospace materials. The role will also involve applying advanced characterization methods, interpreting experimental data, preparing technical reports, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
  • Additional responsibilities may include collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers, supporting government-sponsored research programs, maintaining laboratory equipment, and helping guide future research directions in aerospace materials and high-temperature chemistry.

Required Qualifications

  • Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
  • Candidates must also be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
  • Strong analytical, experimental, and technical writing skills are required. Candidates should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
  • Applicants must have demonstrated experience in the following areas:
  • Molecular beam experimentation
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Materials science and engineering
  • Materials characterization
  • High-temperature materials
  • High-temperature chemistry
  • Oxidation and degradation mechanisms
  • Thermal and chemical stability of advanced materials

Preferred Qualifications

  • The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving abilities, careful experimental technique, and the ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable technical conclusions.
  • Excellent communication skills are important, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, presentations, and publications for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience with high-temperature testing, oxidation kinetics, ceramic materials, refractory metals, coatings, composites, or other materials relevant to aerospace propulsion, thermal protection, or extreme-environment applications.
  • Experience with molecular beam systems, vacuum systems, gas-surface interactions, analytical instruments, thermal analysis, surface characterization, or chemical analysis of material degradation products is highly desirable.
  • Prior experience working in a government, defense, national laboratory, or university research environment is a plus.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

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.

R2125056

Salary : $12,000 - $125,000

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