Firmware Engineer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Firmware Engineer in Colorado Springs to design, implement, test, and support firmware across the lifecycle. Travel about 10% is expected. Strong FPGA/VHDL/Verilog, Linux, and toolchain experience are required for success.

The role collaborates with engineers, customers, and suppliers to deliver high-quality solutions in a defense-focused environment. On-site position with growth opportunities and security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering required.
• Experience with FPGA modules and VHDL/Verilog.
• Experience with Linux/Unix and FPGA toolchains.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement firmware across design to field.
• Collaborate with hardware and software teams.
• Create and run test benches and validation.
• Support multiple projects with disciplined process.

Skills

VHDL

Verilog

Linux

FPGA design

C/C++

Python

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

ModelSim

Questa

Aldec

JESD

PCIe

100GbE

Git

SVN

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Spectrum analyzers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

ModelSim

Questa

Aldec

Git

SVN

VSCode

Job description

• Salary : $125,000 USD Annually - $135,000 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 005

Job Description

Readiness delivered.Kratos is seeking a talented Firmware Engineer to support dynamic, fast?paced projects focused on developing and implementing firmware designs across all phases of the development lifecycle—including design, development, testing, and operational support. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver who can work both independently and collaboratively to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot new and existing firmware solutions. This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability in a rapidly shifting environment, and the ability to partner effectively with engineers, customers, and vendor support teams. Candidates should be comfortable supporting multiple projects simultaneously and applying modern engineering tools and methodologies to deliver high?quality technical solutions. This position is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and requires approximately 10% travel.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with VHDL and/or Verilog for developing complex FPGA modules
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module?level simulation
• Experience working with Linux/Unix operating systems
• Ability to build, route, analyze, and test FPGA designs
• Willingness to learn how to integrate DSP solutions from DSP Engineers
• Ability to work directly with software engineers to integrate designs
• Proficient with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python
• Experience with FPGA tools including Xilinx Vivado and Vitis
• Familiarity with simulation/debug tools such as Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, and Chipscope
• Experience with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix?7, and Virtex
• Familiarity with source code editors like SlickEdit or VSCode
• Experience using Git, SVN, or similar version control systems
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI)
• Experience with debugging tools, including internal logic analyzers
• Experience with non?volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM)
• Ability to learn quickly, take ownership of tasks, and deliver high?quality work in an unstructured environment
• Experience estimating the effort required to complete tasks
• Ability to work effectively in an integrated product team (IPT) environment
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a government?issued security clearance up to TS/SCI

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience developing embedded systems and using Xilinx Vitis (MicroBlaze, ARM Cortex, Versal ACAP)
• Experience with high?speed interfaces such as JESD, PCIe, or 100GbE
• Modem?related experience
• Experience with board?level design
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (Bitbucket, Bamboo, Confluence)
• Strong understanding of embedded system concepts, including RTOS, memory management, and interrupt handling

#LI-Onsite

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $125,000-$135,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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