Flight Control Software Engineer III - IV

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Roseville (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is looking for a Flight Control Software Engineer in Roseville, California. This role involves complex engineering tasks aimed at designing and implementing autonomous aircraft systems, including software architecture and operator interfaces. Candidates should have a solid background in engineering, preferably with a focus on software development and flight control logic.

Compensation ranges from $140,000 to $210,000, and the position offers various job benefits including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan. Kratos Defense is committed to equal opportunity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in flight control logic and automation.
• Ability to create a runtime environment for autonomous functions.
• Knowledge of software architecture design.

Responsibilities

• Perform software engineering tasks for autonomous aircraft systems.
• Design and implement operator interfaces and algorithms.
• Prepare engineering documentation and support customer training.

Skills

Flight control logic

Autonomous systems design

Object-oriented programming

Customer satisfaction focus

Strong communication skills

Education

BS degree in Engineering

MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

C/C++ software

Job description

Company Overview

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. We prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology, leveraging proven, cutting‑edge methodologies to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions.

General Job Summary

Perform software engineering tasks related to the design, implementation, test, and validation of autonomous aircraft flight control software and higher‑level autonomy functions.

Essential Job Functions

• Software architecture definition.
• Design and implement operator interfaces, autonomous logic algorithms, waypoint following, and path generation algorithms.
• Support subsystem testing and verification.
• Flight test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities.
• Derive subsystem requirements and specifications.
• Analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (e.g., test procedures, technical reports).
• Prepare and present design review material for technical interchange meetings with suppliers and internal/external customers.
• Support customer training activities.
• Foreign and domestic travel to support flight test activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Flight Control Software Engineer III

• Performs complex engineering tasks as assigned by their manager.
• Supports program planning of engineering activities through detailed scope definition.
• May act as System Engineer to help communicate top‑level requirements to subsystems and determine proper verification and validation methods.
• Reports progress on engineering efforts to technical leadership.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Flight Control Software Engineers.
• Establishes and maintains best practices for design, analysis, and testing responsibilities held by the Guidance, Navigation, and Control group.
• Mentors Level I‑II Flight Control Software Engineers.

Flight Control Software Engineer IV

• Provides oversight to the Flight Control Software group to aid prioritization and delegation of group work given programmatic requirements.
• Manages the engineering team’s effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Acts as key liaison for programs (both internal and external) on all matters related to software development, design, and verification.
• Stays current on the state‑of‑the‑practice through training and industry involvement/exposure, and mentors the Flight Control Software group with this knowledge.
• Mentors Level I‑III Flight Control Software Engineers.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Compensation

$140,000 – $210,000.

Experience And Skills

Required

• Demonstrated strength in one or more of the listed technical competencies.
• Understanding of flight control logic and automation.
• Ability to create a runtime environment for autonomous functions.
• Knowledge of software development process.
• Knowledge of object‑oriented programming.
• Knowledge of software architecture design.
• Demonstrated focus on customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. citizenship).

Preferred

• MATLAB and Simulink experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with C/C++ software is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Understanding of autopilot flight control design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with software configuration management systems is preferred.

Education and Experience

Flight Control Software Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Computer Science or Software Engineering preferred).
• 6+ years related experience in a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Flight Control Software Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (MS in Computer Science or Software Engineering preferred).
• 11+ years related experience in a related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office and or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key phones).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• May work extended hours or weekends.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

• 10‑25% may be required to support flight test activities, new business development, and customer maintenance occasionally.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED. A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES.

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• 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 Affinity Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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