Jobs and Careers
KB

Mission Lead

KBR, Inc.
Albuquerque, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 14 Apr 2026

About the role

Title:

Mission Lead

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.

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.

The Jaguar Mission Lead provides overall mission-level leadership for the Jaguar ground system in support of the Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) program under Space Systems Command. This role is responsible for ensuring operational ground system readiness, sustainment, and continuous improvement of the Satellite Operations Center (SOC), Payload Operations Center (POC), and associated ground terminals, and serves as the primary interface between the contractor team and Government mission stakeholders. The Jaguar Mission Lead is responsible for execution of ground system support and sustainment, working in coordination with the Task Order Project Manager.

This position is contingent upon contract award

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary interface between the HADES team, satellite vehicle operators, Government representatives, and key mission stakeholders for all Jaguar mission ground systems.

  • Provide day-to-day leadership for SOC and POC ground system sustainment, development, and ground system readiness.

  • Ensure SOC and POC system availability objectives are met or exceeded.

  • Coordinate engineering, operations, cybersecurity, logistics, and facilities teams to ensure mission success.

  • Lead planning and execution of system upgrades, end-of-life/end-of-support mitigation, and risk reduction activities.

  • Provide expert level support to SOC/POC personnel during real-time operational activities in a high tempo environment.

  • Oversee documentation, compliance, configuration management, readiness reviews, and mission certification activities.

  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and oversight of personnel.

  • Work with the Task Order PM to ensure continuity of operations and  phase-in/phase-out activities, and ensures appropriate staffing to meet contractual requirements.

Required Qualifications

  • Active DoD TS/SCI clearance.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline.

  • Minimum of 12 years of experience supporting space or satellite ground system missions.

  • Demonstrated mission or task order leadership experience.

  • Strong knowledge of satellite command and control systems and ground architectures.

  • Experience working in classified, high-tempo mission environments.

  • Experience supporting high availability ground systems.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Engineering or Systems Engineering.

  • Experience supporting SSC, SYD, SDG, SDX, or POPS-I organizations.

  • Prior experience as a Mission Lead, Task Order Lead, or Operations Manager.

  • Familiarity with GMSEC, GCC, GEMMA, and MUS ground architectures.

  • Experience with RMF and ATO processes and ISSE/ISSM coordination.

  • Understanding of lifecycle sustainment and DMSMS planning.

Work Environment

  • Primary work location is on-site at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

  • High-impact national security mission environment supporting continuous operations.

  • Core business hours with on-call and after-hours support as mission demands dictate.

  • Limited travel (CONUS/OCONUS) may be required.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re 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 comp

Apply for this role

Generate a tailored application kit with a matched cover letter, interview prep, and CV highlights — in under 60 seconds.

Apply Now →Generate Application Kit

Free account required — sign up in 30s

Company

KBR, Inc.

View company profile →