Global Connections
There are approximately 37,000 KBR employees across the globe. Though we’re separated by miles, we are all connected by our values and shared purpose. In Global Connections, we celebrate our diverse team of teams by highlighting some of the places where we live and work.
In this edition, we’re thrilled to spotlight KBR in Valley Forge and the remarkable journey our people are on as they exceed expectations in engineering excellence, operations and national security — all while maintaining personal connections.
KBR in Valley Forge
Close-knit Office Doing Big Things in Space
“KBR’s Valley Forge office in Pennsylvania, though relatively small in comparison to our other global offices, is doing big things to help keep our nation safe,” said Jennifer Smith, director of Engineering and Operations for Valley Forge. “The office has pushed the boundaries in executing our customer’s most difficult space challenges while making work an incredibly fun place to be.”
Part of KBR’s October 2020 acquisition of Centauri, the Valley Forge office, located in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, recently got a facelift. Now offering collaborative workspaces, state-of-the-art functionalities and the region’s largest SCIF (sensitive compartmented information facility) space for classified collaboration, the Valley Forge office is launching into a new era, while also maintaining one of the best employee experiences in the area.
Focusing on What Matters Most — Our People
KBR’s Valley Forge employees sit within the National Security Solutions (NSS) business unit of Government Solutions U.S. As the name implies, team members work on critical missions that help keep the U.S. safe. But while their focus is on delivering leading solutions for use in outer space, they manage to keep a down-to-earth vibe.
KBR employees at Valley Forge know what makes working for KBR stand out — the people-first culture. The first ONE KBR Value is “We Value Our People.” This value resonates deeply at Valley Forge, which strives to host events and activities that keep the employees connected. These include pancake breakfast month in February, regular barbecues during the summer, annual holiday celebrations, and much more. With more team members working in person, this engagement focus is something many offices across the company strive to accomplish.
Paving the Way for the Next Generation
Not only is the Valley Forge office culture admirable, but the location is also consistently paving the way for future generations. The Valley Forge team created an explosive intern program within NSS. Since the Valley Forge office is a hub of innovation, interns from many area colleges and universities apply to be part of the intern program, which focuses on developing engaging projects that can be applied cross-company to enhance KBR’s global capabilities.
“Every summer, our interns get to work on challenging and meaningful work experiences that directly contribute to KBR’s business success,” said Jay Lennon, senior vice president of NSS.
"At the end of their program, they give presentations to the intern review board that provide an in-depth look into what they’ve accomplished throughout the summer. The program consistently turns students into full-time contributors. The advantage of being part of the intern program at the Valley Forge? An abundance of innovative work and undeniable fun!”
Fun Facts!
- The Valley Forge mall is the largest mall in America east of the Mississippi River. It’s No. 2 in the U.S. to Minnesota’s Mall of America in terms of square footage, but it’s No. 1 in terms of actual retail space!
- Valley Forge was the first state park in Pennsylvania and is now known as the Valley Forge National Historic Park.
- Valley Forge played a significant role in American history, serving as the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army, under the command of future first U.S. President George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War.
- Valley Forge is located just 18 miles from downtown Philadelphia. The region is not only home to must-see historical sites, but it also boasts a vibrant arts scene and many outdoor activities for nature lovers.
- Valley Forge is nestled in Montgomery County, which has served as the backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows, captivating audiences with its scenic beauty and charm. You’ll see “MontCo” in numerous productions including “The Goldbergs,” “The Lovely Bones,” “The Sixth Sense,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and more.
