Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator

Title:
Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.

• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.

• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

KBR was selected to support the US Space Force/Air Force Research Laboratory's ASTRO (Advanced Space Technology Research and Optimization) contract to provide mission equipment operations, maintenance, and upgrades to the USSF's Air Force Maui Optical Site (AMOS) on top of the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala. The AMOS site plays a vital role in national security by monitoring man-made objects in space and continuously developing next-generation capabilities to keep pace with the expanding space domain. This presents an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of space and telescope technologies.

The Space Object Imagery Analyst & Collection Operator is responsible for executing the full Tasking, Collection, Processing, and Dissemination (TCPD) workflow supporting the critical Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission requirements. This role integrates ground-based telescope operations, high-fidelity resolved imaging analysis, data processing, and customer-focused reporting to deliver high-quality assessments of satellites, spacecraft, and orbital activity.

The ideal candidate brings a strong analytical mindset, technical curiosity about space systems, exceptional attention to detail, train Operators to execute TCPD, and the ability to work in an operational, multi-disciplinary environment.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• High-quality NEI imagery delivered consistently to customers.
• Accurate and defensible SNIIRS and Analyst Ratings based on observable features.
• Reliable execution of tasking with precise collection coding and metadata accuracy.
• Clear, actionable reporting that enhances customer space situational awareness.
• Strong teamwork, judgment, and commitment to mission excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collection Planning & Execution

• Execute tasking to schedule and manage satellite collection opportunities and site availability.
• Understand and apply pass geometry, illumination conditions, elevation constraints, and sensor configuration requirements to ensure optimal Near Earth Imaging (NEI) collection quality.
• Monitor tracking performance, focus stability, and correct configuration during active collections.
• Apply proper Collection Codes to document schedule decisions, attempt status, acquisition results, and publishing outcomes.

2. Data Processing & Image Development

• Process NEI data through various data processing software and data pipelines.
• Conduct image development adjustments (iterations, contrast, denoising, Multi-frame Blind Deconvolution (MFBD) parameters to ensure the highest possible interpretability and accuracy.
• Select the "best frame" and prepare data products for publication following established SOPs, quality guidelines, and customer requirements.
• Responsible for actively training and mentoring personnel in processing and collections.

3. Imagery Interpretation & Object Characterization

• Identify, classify, and analyze satellites, spacecraft, and debris using resolved NEI imagery.
• Apply Space National Imagery Interpretation Rating Standards (SNIIRS) interpretability scales to evaluate object details, detect observables, and determine orientation, feature visibility, and structural components.
• Compare objects against known configurations, expected behaviors, and mission context to detect anomalies, changes, or unusual activity.

4. Quality Assurance & Reporting

• Evaluate collection performance using Analyst Pass Ratings (Poor-Excellent) and SNIIRS ratings for image interpretability.
• Document operational issues such as tracking instability, focus drift, seeing conditions, or hardware/software anomalies in real time.
• Prepare clear, concise technical reports, imagery annotations, and data summaries for customers.

5. Customer Engagement & Workflow Improvement

• Work directly with government customers to understand their mission needs and adjust collection or processing strategies accordingly.
• Review customer feedback to continuously improve data quality and workflow efficiency.
• Collaborate with operators, analysts, engineers, and leadership to refine SOPs and ensure alignment with mission objectives

Basic Qualifications:

• Security Requirement: Active TS/SCI clearance
• Minimum Education/Experience: High school diploma with 2+ years' experience in intelligence domains (GEOINT, MASINT, SIGINT, or OSINT) and remote sensing is strongly recommended
• Space Domain Expertise: A foundational understanding of satellite subsystems, structures, and a keen interest in the evolving space landscape
• Analytical Rigor: Strong critical thinking skills; you should be comfortable experimenting with new methodologies to solve "first-of-their-kind" challenges
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills, specifically the ability to produce intelligence-grade writing or scientific reporting with meticulous attention to detail

Desired Qualifications:

• Foundational knowledge of Astrodynamics and Space Domain Awareness.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Political Science, or a related field.

Work Environment:

Full time, with work in Kihei, HI and onsite work (no remote/Hybrid) atop Haleakala. Since this position requires work on Haleakalā summit (approximately 10,000 feet above sea level). Working at high altitude presents unique environmental and physiological considerations. Employees must be physically capable of performing assigned duties under reduced oxygen conditions and variable weather. Candidate must be aware of, and prepared for, these conditions to ensure personal safety and job readiness.

Candidate must have effective verbal and written communication skills; must be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences or facilitate group discussions; develop accurate written materials to communicate information clearly and concisely. Candidate must also be flexible to work necessary shifts to meet the 365x24x7 mission.

Compensation:

For Hawaii only: This is an exempt position. The pay rate is approximately $95K-$120k. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Other 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.

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 KBR. Let's shape the future together.

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.