Electro-Optical Engineer

Title:

Electro-Optical Engineer

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Contract: MIST II
Location: Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) – Onsite required; occasional remote work at Technical Lead’s discretion

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR.

At KBR, we define the future. We are innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers—working together to improve the world responsibly.

We are seeking a Mid-Level Optical Engineer with a strong background in reliability testing of photonic devices, fiber-optic components, and laser systems. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in environmental and life testing, failure analysis, and qualification of high‑performance photonics hardware. Experience developing or qualifying flight hardware for aerospace or space applications (e.g., NASA or ESA programs) is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute reliability test plans for lasers and fiber‑optic instruments.
• Design and oversee environmental qualification programs (thermal cycling, vibration, shock, humidity, radiation, vacuum, etc.) in alignment with aerospace standards.
• Support design, integration, and validation of:
  • Fiber optical amplifiers and assemblies
  • Space‑qualified photonic subsystems
  • Laser frequency reference instruments
• Develop test automation for lifetime modeling, accelerated life testing (ALT), and failure rate prediction (MTBF).
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for field returns and qualification failures.
• Lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and reliability growth programs.
• Review vendor specifications, methodologies, and fabrication plans.
• Assist in planning and execution of project milestones, including Engineering Peer Reviews and Test Readiness Reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Write test procedures, plans, and reports as required.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience in photonics engineering.
• Experience developing fiber laser systems and power amplifiers.
• Experience with frequency reference systems (FRS) or comparable designs.
• Proficient with optical power monitors and detectors.
• Experience developing qualification plans and reports for regulated or mission‑critical hardware.
• Flight hardware development or qualification experience for aerospace or space systems.
• Experience with radiation effects testing and mitigation for photonic components.
• Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing and optical assembly processes.
• Working knowledge of laser safety standards.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills

• Support qualification and acceptance testing for flight hardware.
• Ensure compliance with space or defense standards (NASA, ESA).
• Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and customer technical interchange meetings.
• Develop documentation packages for flight certification and mission assurance.

Technical Skills

• Optical test instrumentation (fibers, isolators, power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzers).
• Strong documentation and technical reporting skills.
• Fiber laser amplifier and fiber laser system design.
• Fiber splicing and use of fiber splicing tools.
• Familiarity with electronic instruments such as FPGAs.

Education

• BS degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.

Experience and/or Education in lieu of these qualifications will be reviewed for applicability to meet these requirements.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• On-Site work performed at GSPC Greenbelt, MD location.

Basic Compensation:

$163,200.00- $244,700.00

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 inte