Robotic & Autonomous Systems Test Methodology Lead

Title:

Robotic & Autonomous Systems Test Methodology Lead

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. 

Program Summary

KBR provides engineering, test, flight operations, and technical support to Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL) and its supported developmental test organizations. KBR is seeking an experienced developmental test professional to support NTWL's emerging robotic and autonomous systems test mission at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

This position will help establish and mature the processes, methodologies, tools, and resources used to plan, execute, evaluate, and report developmental testing of robotic and autonomous systems, including unmanned surface vessels (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and other emerging autonomous capabilities.

Job Summary

KBR is seeking a Robotic & Autonomous Systems Test Methodology Lead to support the development and maturation of developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) methodologies for Naval Test Wing Atlantic's emerging robotic and autonomous systems mission.

The selected candidate will apply a strong understanding of established developmental test principles and processes to help define how rigorous DT&E is conducted across emerging robotic and autonomous systems. Rather than developing an entirely new test framework, this individual will draw upon proven test methodologies, identify where existing approaches can be applied or adapted, and develop new processes and resources where the unique characteristics of robotic and autonomous systems require them. The Test Methodology Lead will maintain a continuous feedback loop with ongoing test programs, incorporating test results, lessons learned, emerging technologies, and user feedback to continually evaluate and mature the processes used by the test organization. The position will also help identify opportunities for new test tools, resources, training, and other enabling capabilities. The Test Methodology Lead will define test-community needs and functional requirements, work with supporting technical teams during development, and evaluate and refine resulting capabilities to ensure they effectively support the DT&E mission. This position requires substantial independence, technical judgment, initiative, and the ability to translate established test experience into practical approaches for rapidly evolving technologies and mission areas.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead technical resource for the development and continuous maturation of robotic and autonomous systems test methodologies, standards, processes, and supporting resources.
• Apply established developmental test principles and best practices to emerging robotic and autonomous systems, adapting existing approaches and developing new methodologies where required.
• Develop and continuously refine standardized approaches for test planning, risk management, test execution, data analysis, deficiency documentation, and test reporting, incorporating lessons learned and feedback from ongoing test programs.
• Collaborate with test leadership, Project Officers, engineers, operators, and other stakeholders to identify gaps, emerging requirements, and opportunities to improve DT&E effectiveness and consistency.
• Identify requirements for new test tools, workflows, data systems, templates, and other resources; define functional requirements and serve as the DT&E subject matter expert during their development, evaluation, and refinement.
• Support development of training, curricula, reference materials, lessons learned, and technical guidance to prepare personnel and promote consistent RAS DT&E practices.
• Provide technical recommendations to leadership and coordinate with Navy, DoW, industry, and other test organizations to identify emerging practices and support the continued maturation of RAS test methodology.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, aviation, or a related technical discipline.
• 10 years of experience.
• Significant professional experience in developmental test and evaluation of complex military systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, and executing test plans, test procedures, risk-management products, data requirements, test reports, and related DT&E documentation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of developmental test methodology and the processes used to plan, execute, analyze, document, and report complex test programs.
• Experience working within NAVAIR, a DoW test organization, or a comparable developmental test environment.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing technical processes, identify gaps, and develop practical solutions to improve test effectiveness and consistency.
• Experience working across multidisciplinary technical teams and effectively communicating with engineers, operators, test personnel, program leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to independently address ambiguous or emerging technical problems for which established processes may not yet exist.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) or an equivalent recognized military test pilot school as a pilot, Naval Flight Officer, or flight test engineer.
• Previous developmental test tour supporting Naval Test Wing Atlantic (NTWL), Naval Test Wing Pacific (NTWP), or a comparable military test organization.
• Extensive experience developing or refining DT&E methodologies, processes, standards, procedures, or institutional test guidance.
• Experience with unmanned, robotic, or autonomous systems, including UAS, UGV, USV, UUV, remotely operated systems, or advanced autonomy.
• Familiarity with data-management, deficiency-reporting, test-planning, risk-management, or test-reporting systems used within the DoD test community.
• Experience interacting with NAVAIR program offices, Naval Warfare Centers, Navy laboratories, or other DoD acquisition and test organizations.
• Master's degree in engineering, systems engineering, test and evaluation, or a related technical field.

Work Environment

• Primary work location will be the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland area, to include Webster Outlying Field.
• This is primarily an on-site position supporting Government test activities.
• Work may include operations at waterfront facilities, test ranges, aboard support vessels, or at temporary and remote test locations.
• Travel may be required to support test events and program activities.

Compensation: $127,000-$191,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, 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 a 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.

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.

About Us

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

Fraud Alert

As Trinzic prepares to launch as an independent company through the planned spin-off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, job seekers may encounter fraudulent recruiting activity that improperly uses the names, logos, or branding of either Trinzic or KBR.
Bad actors may mix in fake job advertisements with legitimate postings. These ads can include contact instructions and require job seekers to send sensitive personal information or money to pay for visa applications, processing fees, etc., in exchange for consideration for a high-paying position. 
 
Neither Trinzic nor KBR will ever ask for any sort of advance payment as part of the recruiting or hiring process. Candidate profiles are carefully managed to protect personal information.  If you experience fraud in a job offer, we encourage you to contact the KBR ethics hotline (fhoukbrcode@kbr.com) and report it to the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here.