Firmware Engineer, Senior

Kratos Defense; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

PTO

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. in Colorado Springs is seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer to drive firmware development across the full lifecycle, from design to testing and operational support.

You will work independently and with teams to deliver robust firmware solutions and communicate progress clearly to customers and vendors. The role demands strong HDL, C/C++, Python, Linux, and FPGA experience with hands-on use of Xilinx tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with VHDL/Verilog for FPGA module development and test benches.
• Experience with Linux/Unix operating systems and embedded design.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and support firmware across the engineering lifecycle.
• Collaborate with software teams and customers to integrate hardware/firmware solutions.
• Engage with vendors, provide clear design progress updates, and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

VHDL

Verilog

FPGA design

Linux

C/C++

Python

Xilinx Vivado

Xilinx Vitis

ModelSim

Questa

Aldec

Chipscope

HDL test benches

Embedded systems

JESD/PCIe/100GbE

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering

Related field

Tools

Xilinx Vivado

Vitis

SlickEdit/VSCode

Git/SVN

Job description

• Salary : $140,000 USD Annually - $165,000 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 007

Job Description

Readiness delivered. Kratos is seeking a SeniorFirmware Engineer to support dynamic, fast?paced projects involving firmware development across all phases of the engineering lifecycle—including design, development, testing, and operational support based on user feedback. The ideal candidate is adaptable and highly motivated, capable of working both independently and collaboratively to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot new and existing firmware solutions. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with team members, customers, and vendor support. The candidate must be able to apply modern engineering technologies, provide clear updates on design progress, and support multiple projects as needed—bringing expertise to primary assignments while also assisting other teams with critical technical challenges. This position is based in Colorado Springs, CO, and requires approximately 10% travel.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Familiarity with VHDL and/or Verilog for FPGA module development
• Experience creating VHDL/Verilog test benches for module?level simulation
• Experience 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
• Experience collaborating with software engineers to integrate designs
• Proficiency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
• Programming experience with VHDL, Verilog, C/C++, and Python
• Experience using FPGA tools such as Xilinx Vivado and Vitis
• Experience with simulation/debug tools including Aldec, ModelSim, Questa, and Chipscope
• Familiarity with FPGA platforms such as Xilinx MPSoC, RFSoC, Artix?7, and Virtex
• Experience using source code editors such as SlickEdit or VSCode
• Experience with version control systems such as Git or SVN
• Experience with microcontrollers, peripherals (ADC, DAC, SPI, I2C), and communication protocols (UART, USB, Ethernet, AXI)
• Expertise in debugging firmware using internal logic analyzers
• Understanding of non-volatile storage technologies (EEPROM, NVRAM, ROM)
• Experience developing embedded systems using Xilinx Vitis (MicroBlaze, ARM Cortex, Versal ACAP)
• Experience with high-speed interfaces such as JESD, PCIe, or 100GbE
• Ability to learn quickly, take ownership of tasks, and deliver high?quality work in an unstructured environment
• Experience estimating task effort and meeting deadlines
• Ability to work effectively in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government-issued security clearance up to TS/SCI

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Experience with modem technologies
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools such as Bitbucket, Bamboo, or Confluence
• Strong understanding of embedded systems concepts, including real?time operating systems (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: $140,000-$165,000

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 aprotected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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