Photonics Systems Analyst

Title:

Photonics Systems Analyst At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest-priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin-off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future.

We at KBR share one goal: to improve the world responsibly as a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers.

KBR is seeking a Photonics Systems Analyst with a strong background in reliability testing of photonic devices, fiber-optic components, and laser systems. The ideal candidate will have deep technical 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 - such as programs aligned with NASA or ESA standards - is strongly preferred.

The Photonics System Analyst will be responsible for:

• Develop and execute reliability test plans for laser, photonic, and fiber-optic systems and their associated components, subsystems, and opto-mechanical assemblies.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for reliability engineering, operational margin assessment, and lifetime performance of laser and photonic systems.
• Provide technical guidance, consultation, and recommendations throughout the design, development, integration, qualification, and operation of laser and photonic instruments.
• Prepare reliability analyses, assessments, and strategies to ensure components, subsystems, and systems meet performance, reliability, and lifetime requirements.
• Design and oversee environmental qualification programs (thermal cycling, vibration, shock, humidity, radiation, vacuum, etc.) consistent with aerospace standards.
• Support the design, integration, validation, and reliability evaluation of fiber optical amplifiers, fiber assemblies, space-qualified photonic subsystems, laser frequency reference instruments, and related hardware.
• Develop and implement plans for accelerated life testing (ALT), life testing, and long-term reliability evaluation of components and systems.
• Perform and develop test automation for lifetime modeling, reliability prediction, failure rate analysis, and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) assessments.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for qualification failures, reliability issues, and field returns.
• Lead Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), reliability growth programs, and operational margin assessments.
• Review vendor specifications, manufacturing methodologies, fabrication plans, and reliability processes to ensure compliance with program and mission requirements.
• Assist in planning, preparation, and execution of project milestones and major reviews, including Engineering Peer Reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, and reliability assessments.
• Work collaboratively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and quality engineers in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Prepare technical reports, test procedures, reliability documentation, analyses, and presentations as required.
• Develop reliability test methodologies and strategies and support their implementation across development programs.
• Provide training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to engineering teams on reliability engineering principles, life-testing methodologies, and best practices.

Required Qualification:

• 10+ years of industry experience in photonics engineering.
• Experienced developing fiber laser systems and fiber laser power amplifiers.
• Experienced in using frequency reference systems (FRS) and equivalent designs.
• Experienced in using 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.
• Radiation effects testing and mitigation for photonic components.
• Familiarity with cleanroom manufacturing and optical assembly processes.
• Strong technical background combining engineering analysis and hands-on laboratory work.
• Knowledge of laser safety standards and compliance.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and energetic environment.
• undefined

Preferred Skills

• Support qualification and acceptance testing for flight hardware.
• Ensure compliance with applicable space or defense standards (e.g., 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, fiber optics, isolators, power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzer).
• Strong documentation and technical reporting skills.
• Fiber laser amplifier and fiber laser system design.
• Fiber splicing skills and familiarity with tools like fiber splicing machines. Electronic instruments such as FPGAs

EDUCATION- BS degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

LOCATION – This role requires a regular onsite presence at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for hardware activities. Occasional remote work is possible at the discretion of the Technical Lead.

Basic Compensation:Jobs on this contract range from $137,400.00 - $206,100.00 Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, MD area.

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

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

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 | KBR

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.