Microelectronics Analysis Engineer / Analyst - PLEO & Navigation Systems

Title:

Microelectronics Analysis Engineer / Analyst (PLEO & Navigation Systems)

Position Summary

The National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) is seeking a highly motivated Microelectronics Analysis Engineer/Analyst to support technical intelligence assessments of foreign microelectronics technologies enabling Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) architectures, satellite navigation systems, and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities.

The selected candidate will analyze the microelectronic components, semiconductor technologies, integrated circuits, processors, RF devices, timing devices, and advanced packaging solutions that underpin adversary space and navigation systems. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, engineering analysis, and intelligence tradecraft to assess foreign technological maturity, manufacturing capabilities, supply chains, vulnerabilities, and modernization efforts.

The analyst will contribute to national-level intelligence assessments supporting U.S. understanding of adversary space, navigation, and microelectronics development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct technical intelligence analysis of microelectronics used in foreign PLEO, GNSS, and PNT systems.
• Characterize semiconductor technologies supporting spacecraft avionics, payloads, communications systems, navigation payloads, and timing architectures.
• Assess integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chip (SoC) technologies, processors, memory devices, and RF components.
• Analyze foreign development and use of radiation-hardened and space-qualified microelectronics.
• Evaluate semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, foundries, fabrication processes, packaging technologies, and supply chains supporting space and navigation systems.
• Assess advanced timing technologies including atomic clock electronics, oscillator systems, frequency standards, and synchronization technologies.
• Characterize microelectronic dependencies supporting satellite communications, navigation payloads, networking, and onboard processing.
• Analyze technology insertion, modernization efforts, and emerging semiconductor capabilities affecting future space architectures.
• Identify foreign technological strengths, vulnerabilities, bottlenecks, and critical dependencies within microelectronics ecosystems.
• Integrate intelligence reporting, technical documentation, scientific literature, open-source research, and engineering assessments into finished intelligence products.
• Produce intelligence reports, technical assessments, threat analyses, technology forecasts, and executive-level briefings.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, supply chain analysts, and intelligence professionals across the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Microelectronics Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Semiconductor Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor engineering, microelectronics analysis, integrated circuit design, electronics engineering, technical intelligence, or related disciplines.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, electronic systems, and modern microelectronics technologies.
• Experience evaluating technical systems and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• Experience supporting NSIC, DIA, Space Force, Air Force, NSA, NGA, NRO, or other Intelligence Community organizations.
• Knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes, lithography, advanced packaging, and chip manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with microelectronics reverse engineering, device characterization, or hardware assurance assessments.
• Understanding of space-qualified electronics, radiation effects, and space environment considerations.
• Familiarity with GNSS architectures, PNT systems, satellite communications, and proliferated LEO constellations.
• Knowledge of RF integrated circuits, digital signal processing hardware, timing devices, and navigation receivers.
• Experience assessing foreign semiconductor industries, defense industrial bases, and technology acquisition strategies.
• Proficiency with data analytics, engineering modeling, and semiconductor analysis tools.
• Experience producing intelligence assessments for senior government and military leadership.

Desired Competencies

• Strong technical curiosity regarding emerging semiconductor and space technologies.
• Ability to connect microelectronics developments to broader system-level capabilities and operational impacts.
• Exceptional technical writing and briefing skills.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical rigor.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple intelligence disciplines and technical sources.
• Effective collaboration with engineering, intelligence, acquisition, and operational communities.

Mission Impact

The Microelectronics Analysis Engineer/Analyst will provide critical intelligence on the technologies that enable adversary space and navigation capabilities. By evaluating semiconductors, integrated circuits, timing devices, and advanced electronics supporting PLEO and navigation architectures, this role directly informs national assessments of foreign technological competitiveness, supply chain resilience, capability development, and future threats in the space and PNT domains.

Leveling Guidance

Engineer/Analyst II

• 3 to 7 years of relevant experience
• Conducts focused technical assessments of microelectronics technologies and supports intelligence production.

Senior Engineer/Analyst

• 7 to 12 years of relevant experience
• Leads complex evaluations of semiconductor ecosystems, advanced electronics, and technology modernization trends.

Principal Engineer/Analyst

• 12+ years of relevant experience
• Serves as a recognized subject matter expert in space-enabled microelectronics, semiconductor industrial capabilities, and advanced navigation system technologies, leading strategic assessments across NSIC mission areas.

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.