📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Systems Engineer
• Company: KBR, Inc.
• Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Category: Systems Engineering, Communications, Defence
• Date Posted: 2025-06-15
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Plan, acquire, integrate, and transition advanced communications and specialist systems into operational service and sustainment.
• Key Technologies: Communications networks, satellite technologies, tactical radios, secure data transmission systems.
• Key Stakeholders: Defence customers, internal teams, external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working on cutting-edge communications networks and requires a strong background in systems engineering and communications materiel systems.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• System Design & Integration: Contribute to system design, technical certification, verification, and delivery, ensuring solutions meet technical, operational, and logistical requirements.
• Risk Management: Identify, manage, and mitigate risks proactively to ensure project success.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the organization during system testing activities with contractors and provide expert advice to stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless integration and delivery of communications capabilities.
• Governance & Compliance: Develop strategies and evaluate outputs addressing reporting, stakeholder engagement, configuration management, security accreditation, system reviews, change management, and engineering governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of systems engineering processes and the ability to manage complex technical and operational challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Relevant tertiary qualifications in engineering, telecommunications, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum 12 years of relevant industry or domain experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience with communications networks, including satellite systems (FDMA, TDMA, SATCOM), tactical radios, and secure voice/data waveforms.
• Experience with systems engineering processes, including verification programs and acceptance testing.
• Familiarity with system safety case development and technical certification.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex technical and operational challenges.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security clearances or technical authority levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of advanced battlefield management systems or similar situational awareness tools.
• Understanding of security principles for deployable communications networks.
• Experience working with industry partners and managing contractor relationships.
• Experience in regulated technical environments and compliance with relevant standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with defence-related projects or understanding of defence communications networks would be highly beneficial for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience with communications networks, satellite systems, and tactical radios through relevant projects and case studies.
• Showcase problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex technical challenges through detailed project descriptions and outcomes.
• Highlight collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills through team projects or client testimonials.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide detailed technical documentation, including system design, verification, and acceptance testing processes.
• Include risk management plans and strategies for mitigating technical and operational challenges.
• Demonstrate understanding of security principles and compliance with relevant standards through project-specific documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with defence-related communications networks, applicants should ensure their portfolio demonstrates an understanding of secure data transmission systems and relevant security principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be AUD 120,000 - 160,000 per annum, based on industry standards for experienced systems engineers in the defence sector in Melbourne, Australia. This estimate is inclusive of superannuation contributions.

Benefits:

• A workplace culture certified as a Great Place To Work
• Flexible working
• Competitive salary (including annual reviews)
• Paid parental leave
• Income protection
• Corporate rewards
• Salary packaging/Novated leasing
• Employee stock purchase plans
• Flu shots, skin checks, and discounted private health insurance
• Career development: Online learning, mentorship, and career pathways

Working Hours: The standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Applicants should research current market rates for systems engineering roles in the defence sector in Melbourne, Australia, to ensure the estimate is accurate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KBR, Inc. operates in the defence, government services, and engineering sectors, with a focus on delivering science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world.

Company Size: KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide, with around 2,000 employees in 6 primary offices throughout Australia. This size allows for significant resources and expertise while maintaining a collaborative and innovative work environment.

Founded: KBR was founded in 1998, following the merger of two prominent engineering and construction companies. The company has a long history of delivering complex projects in Australia and globally.

Team Structure:

• The Systems Engineering team is responsible for planning, acquiring, integrating, and transitioning advanced communications and specialist systems into operational service and sustainment.
• The team works closely with internal teams, external partners, and defence customers to ensure seamless integration and delivery of communications capabilities.
• The team structure is hierarchical, with senior engineers providing guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members.

Development Methodology:

• KBR follows Agile methodologies for project management, with a focus on iterative development, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• The company emphasizes a digital mindset, driving innovation within its business and for its customers.
• KBR is committed to social and environmental sustainability, incorporating these principles into its project delivery and operations.

Company Website: https://www.kbr.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's commitment to social and environmental sustainability, as well as its focus on driving innovation through a digital mindset, creates an exciting and dynamic work environment for systems engineers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineer Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a minimum of 12 years of relevant industry or domain experience. The role involves managing complex technical and operational challenges, providing expert advice to stakeholders, and contributing to decision-making processes.

Reporting Structure: The Systems Engineer reports directly to the Systems Engineering Manager and works closely with internal teams, external partners, and defence customers.

Technical Impact: The Systems Engineer has a significant impact on the successful deployment and ongoing support of complex communications capabilities. Their expertise helps ensure that solutions meet technical, operational, and logistical requirements, driving mission success for defence customers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: As a senior Systems Engineer, there is the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of communications materiel systems, such as satellite technologies, tactical radios, or secure data transmission systems.
• Technical Leadership: With experience and demonstrated expertise, the Systems Engineer may progress to a technical leadership role, providing guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members.
• Project Management: The Systems Engineer may also transition into a project management role, overseeing the planning, acquisition, integration, and sustainment of advanced communications and specialist systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's commitment to career development and growth opportunities, combined with its focus on driving innovation through a digital mindset, creates an environment that supports the professional growth of systems engineers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: KBR's Melbourne office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The office features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and teamwork.

Office Location(s): KBR's Melbourne office is located at Level 18, 180 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The office is conveniently located in the central business district, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Workspace: The open-plan workspace encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Specialized Workspaces: The office features specialized workspaces, such as labs and testing facilities, enabling engineers to work on cutting-edge communications networks and systems.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: KBR offers flexible work arrangements, including flexible hours and remote work options, to support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. The work schedule may vary depending on project requirements and defence customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's modern, collaborative workspace and commitment to flexible work arrangements create an ideal work environment for systems engineers, supporting both professional growth and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss the candidate's qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. This may include a brief technical assessment to evaluate the candidate's problem-solving skills and understanding of systems engineering processes.
2. Technical Assessment: A more in-depth technical assessment, focusing on the candidate's experience with communications networks, satellite systems, tactical radios, and secure data transmission systems. This may include case studies, system design exercises, or technical deep dives into specific technologies or processes.
3. Behavioral Interview: A structured interview focusing on the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with KBR. This may include questions about risk management, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration.
4. Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of stakeholders to discuss the candidate's fit for the role, technical expertise, and potential for growth within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight relevant projects that demonstrate the candidate's experience with communications networks, satellite systems, tactical radios, and secure data transmission systems.
• Include detailed technical documentation, including system design, verification, and acceptance testing processes, risk management plans, and security principles compliance.
• Showcase the candidate's problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and stakeholder engagement skills through project descriptions and outcomes.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on knowledge of communications networks, satellite systems, tactical radios, and secure data transmission systems, including relevant technologies, standards, and best practices.
• Familiarize oneself with KBR's company culture, values, and commitment to driving innovation through a digital mindset.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and developing examples that demonstrate the candidate's problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with KBR.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Communications Networks, Satellite Systems, Tactical Radios, Secure Data Transmission Systems, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Collaboration, Defence, Defence Communications, Technical Certification, Technical Authority, Defence Security Clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's interview process is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the organization. Applicants should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process, focusing on their relevant experience and the unique aspects of the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Communications Technologies:

• Satellite Systems: FDMA, TDMA, SATCOM, VSAT, CCSDS, MIL-STD-188
• Tactical Radios: VHF, UHF, HF, SATCOM, LTE, 5G, SDR, MIL-STD-188
• Secure Voice/Data Waveforms: AES, DES, 3DES, RSA, ECC, Elliptic Curve Cryptography, IPSec, TLS/SSL

Systems Engineering Tools:

• Requirements Management: DOORS, Jama, Helix ALM
• Systems Modeling: SysML, UML, Modelica, Simulink, MATLAB
• Simulation & Testing: ANSYS, COMSOL, CST Studio Suite, 3D Electromagnetic Simulation Tools
• Project Management: JIRA, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project
• Collaboration: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace

Defence-Specific Technologies:

• Battlefield Management Systems: BMS, C2IS, C4ISR, C3I
• Situational Awareness Tools: GIS, Geospatial Intelligence, Remote Sensing, SIGINT, IMINT, ELINT
• Secure Communications: STE, Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5, Type 6, Type 7, Type 8, Type 9, Type 10

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's technology stack includes a wide range of communications technologies, systems engineering tools, and defence-specific technologies. Applicants should familiarize themselves with these technologies and demonstrate their proficiency in relevant tools and platforms during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

• Innovation: KBR values innovation and encourages its engineers to explore new technologies, tools, and methodologies to drive continuous improvement and deliver cutting-edge solutions.
• Collaboration: KBR fosters a culture of collaboration, encouraging team members to work closely together, share knowledge, and learn from one another.
• Integrity: KBR values integrity and expects its engineers to uphold the highest ethical standards in their work.
• Accountability: KBR holds its engineers accountable for delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure communications capabilities that meet technical, operational, and logistical requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: KBR encourages collaboration across functions, with systems engineers working closely with internal teams, external partners, and defence customers to ensure seamless integration and delivery of communications capabilities.
• Peer Review & Mentorship: KBR fosters a culture of peer review and mentorship, with senior engineers providing guidance and support to junior engineers and team members.
• Knowledge Sharing: KBR values knowledge sharing and encourages its engineers to participate in industry events, conferences, and training opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, tools, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's commitment to innovation, collaboration, integrity, and accountability creates a strong, supportive work environment for systems engineers. Applicants should demonstrate their alignment with these values during the interview process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Complex Systems Integration: Working on cutting-edge communications networks and systems requires a deep understanding of complex systems integration, including hardware, software, and network components.
• Security & Compliance: Ensuring communications capabilities meet relevant security standards and comply with defence-specific regulations can be a complex and challenging process.
• Rapidly Evolving Technologies: The defence communications sector is characterized by rapidly evolving technologies, requiring systems engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and adapt to new tools and platforms.
• Stakeholder Management: Working with diverse stakeholders, including defence customers, internal teams, and external partners, requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage conflicting priorities and expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: KBR offers opportunities for systems engineers to specialize in specific areas of communications materiel systems, such as satellite technologies, tactical radios, or secure data transmission systems.
• Leadership Development: KBR supports the development of technical leadership skills, with opportunities for engineers to mentor junior team members, provide technical guidance, and contribute to decision-making processes.
• Industry Engagement: KBR encourages its engineers to participate in industry events, conferences, and training opportunities to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, tools, and best practices.
• Defence-Specific Expertise: Working on defence-related communications networks and systems provides opportunities for systems engineers to develop defence-specific expertise and contribute to mission-critical projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's commitment to technical specialization, leadership development, industry engagement, and defence-specific expertise creates an environment that supports the professional growth of systems engineers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Communications Technologies: Prepare for questions about satellite systems (FDMA, TDMA, SATCOM), tactical radios (VHF, UHF, HF, SATCOM, LTE, 5G, SDR), and secure voice/data waveforms (AES, DES, 3DES, RSA, ECC, IPSec, TLS/SSL).
• Systems Engineering Processes: Brush up on knowledge of systems engineering processes, including verification programs, acceptance testing, risk management, and technical certification.
• Defence-Specific Technologies: Familiarize oneself with defence-specific technologies, such as battlefield management systems, situational awareness tools, and secure communications.

Company & Culture Questions:

• KBR's Commitment to Innovation: Prepare for questions about KBR's commitment to driving innovation through a digital mindset and its focus on delivering cutting-edge communications capabilities.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Brush up on knowledge of KBR's collaborative work environment and its emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, peer review, and mentorship.
• Defence-Specific Projects: Familiarize oneself with KBR's defence-related projects and its commitment to delivering mission-critical communications capabilities.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Relevant Projects: Highlight relevant projects that demonstrate the candidate's experience with communications networks, satellite systems, tactical radios, and secure data transmission systems.
• Technical Documentation: Include detailed technical documentation, including system design, verification, and acceptance testing processes, risk management plans, and security principles compliance.
• Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the interview panel and demonstrate the candidate's problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit with KBR.

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's interview process is designed to evaluate the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit with the organization. Applicants should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process, focusing on their relevant experience and the unique aspects of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Engineer position:

1. Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, highlighting key responsibilities, required skills, and preferred qualifications.
2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the job description. Include specific examples of your experience with communications networks, satellite systems, tactical radios, and secure data transmission systems.
3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Update your portfolio to include relevant projects, technical documentation, and case studies that demonstrate your expertise in systems engineering, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and showcases your best work.
4. Research KBR: Familiarize yourself with KBR's company culture, values, and commitment to driving innovation through a digital mindset. Understand KBR's defence-related projects and its commitment to delivering mission-critical communications capabilities.
5. Prepare for the Interview: Brush up on your knowledge of communications technologies, systems engineering processes, and defence-specific technologies. Prepare for behavioural interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and developing examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit with KBR.
6. Apply: Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing. Include your resume, portfolio, and any other required documents.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.