- 01The Small UAS Engine SME reports to the R&D Portfolio Manager within the Air
- 02Force Acquisition Operating Unit (AFA OU). This position provides engineering
- 03and technical support for small piston engines used in Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- 04(UAS) in support of an Air Force System Program Office. The role involves
- 05in‑office collaboration with government teams and contractors to support
- 06propulsion engineering activities across development, testing, production, and
- 07sustainment. The position also supports test events and program execution
- 08through coordination, technical analysis, documentation, and travel to
- 09contractor and government facilities as required. The role requires a
- 10technically credible propulsion engineer who combines strong analytical and
- 11systems‑level thinking with disciplined program execution, clear communication,
- 12and the ability to collaborate effectively across government, contractor, and
- 13test environments.
Specific Responsibilities
- 14Provide engineering and technical support for small piston engines used in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), supporting Air Force System Program Office (SPO) activities across development, production, test, and sustainment.
- 15Perform in‑office technical support to Program Managers (PMs), engineers, and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), including propulsion engineering analysis, requirements traceability, technical documentation review, and issue tracking.
- 16Support coordination activities with prime contractors, UAS manufacturers, and engine vendors, including review of engine designs, data packages, analyses, and compliance artifacts.
- 17Support test and evaluation activities for small piston engines, including test planning support, on‑site test execution support, test data reduction, performance monitoring, durability assessments, and engine anomaly documentation.
- 18Participate in program technical forums, including Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), design reviews (PDR/CDR), airworthiness activities, and readiness reviews, supporting preparation of briefings, technical content, and action items.
- 19Provide lifecycle and sustainment engineering support, including reliability and maintainability assessments, maintenance concepts, technical order inputs, parts obsolescence tracking, and sustainment planning support.
- 20Travel as required to contractor facilities, government test locations, depots, and flight test sites to support propulsion engineering activities, testing, and program execution
Work Environment
- 21Location: Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- 22Travel Requirements: Minimal, 20-25%, with surge up to 50%
- 23Working Hours: Standard
Required Qualifications and Skills
- 24Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 255+ years of professional experience in propulsion, mechanical systems, or related engineering roles, with exposure to small piston engines (UAS, aviation, powersports, or similar applications).
- 26Demonstrated experience supporting engineering, test, or sustainment activities across development, integration, or operational environments.
- 27Ability to review and interpret technical documentation, including engine specifications, test reports, engineering drawings, and performance data.
- 28Experience working in or supporting government program office or defense acquisition environments.
- 29Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to support technical meetings, prepare engineering content, and coordinate across teams.
- 30Willingness and ability to travel up to ~25% to contractor facilities, government sites, test locations, and depots. Possible surge up to 50%
- 31Active DoD Secret clearance is required.
Desired Qualifications and Skills
- 32Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 33Experience with small piston aviation engines used in UAS, including 2‑stroke, 4‑stroke, or heavy‑fuel engines.
- 34Hands‑on experience supporting engine ground test or flight test activities, including test data analysis and anomaly investigation.
- 35Familiarity with UAS propulsion integration, including fuel systems, cooling, controls, and airframe interfaces.
- 36Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs, including development, production, or sustainment of airborne systems.
- 37Knowledge of airworthiness processes, military or civil (e.g., Military Flight Release, FAA concepts applied to UAS).
- 38Experience with sustainment engineering, including reliability analysis, maintenance concepts, depot support, or obsolescence management.
- 39Ability to develop and support technical briefings and written products for program reviews, test events, and IPT meetings.
- 40Prior experience working at test ranges, flight test organizations, or contractor facilities in a field support role.
- 41Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI/SAP is desired
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 [Company Name]. 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.
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