VIPER Systems Engineer

Title:

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Job Description:

The VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) Mission Systems Engineering (MSE) team supports the end-to-end integration, verification, and operational readiness of a robotic lunar rover operating in the extreme environment of the Moon’s South Pole. The team works closely with internal NASA stakeholders, commercial partners, and mission operations to ensure successful delivery of mission capabilities from design through surface operations. This role contributes directly to the integration of VIPER with the MK1 lander and to the development of mission-level fault management and anomaly response capabilities.

Role Description:

This position serves within the VIPER Mission Systems Engineering team with two primary areas of responsibility:

Lander Integration (Systems Engineering)

• Support the integration of VIPER onto the MK1 lander in coordination with the Lunar Services Lead (Tom Luzod).
• Lead mission systems engineering activities for this integration effort, including interface definition, requirement verification, and cross-system coordination.
• Work across multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, mission analysis) to ensure consistency and closure of integration products.
• Support test planning and execution for integrated system verification.

Fault Management and Anomaly Response

• Work closely with the Fault Manager and Anomaly Response Lead to develop and mature fault management products and system-level fault models.
• Take ownership of multiple subsystems and coordinate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to define fault detection, isolation, and response strategies.
• Translate fault management products into operationally usable anomaly response procedures in collaboration with Mission Operations.
• Support validation of fault scenarios through analysis, simulation, and testing.

Required Skills

• Strong engineering background with experience in space systems and robotics systems
• Solid understanding of systems engineering principles, including integration and test
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, including with challenging stakeholders
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple parallel efforts
• High attention to detail and strong ownership mindset
• Ability to work independently and drive tasks to completion
• Ability to operate effectively under uncertainty and evolving requirements
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience with lunar systems or operations in extreme environments
• Experience with mission operations, ConOps development, or procedure development
• Experience working with commercial partners or in integrated NASA–industry teams

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with the VIPER mission, architecture, or similar planetary rover systems
• Experience with fault management, FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery), or anomaly response
• Familiarity with MBSE tools (e.g., Cameo) and system modeling approaches

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in space systems, robotics, or complex system development
• Experience in systems engineering roles involving integration, verification, or operations is strongly preferred
• Prior experience with NASA programs or similar large-scale aerospace projects

Basic Compensation:

$153,200 – $229,800

The offered rate will be based on contract affordability and the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

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.​

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits

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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.