Manufacturing Software Engineer

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; 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. in Colorado Springs seeks an entry-level Manufacturing Software Engineer to develop software that drives automated testing on the manufacturing floor.

You will work hands-on with hardware, collaborate with manufacturing teams, and build tools that enhance production capabilities. Ideal candidates have a CS/CE degree and a foundational knowledge of data structures, algorithms, and version control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Proficiency with theory and application of Data Structures and Algorithms.
• Proficiency in git.
• Proficiency writing code for medium to large projects without AI assistance (We use AI tools for some but not all projects).
• Familiarity with at least one command line interface such as Bash or Powershell
• Desire to learn electrical and systems engineering concepts on the job
• US Citizen with Secret clearance eligibility

Responsibilities

• Write software that controls specialized equipment to execute an automated test
• Test and deploy code for use on the onsite manufacturing floor
• Work directly in-person with users and stakeholders to iterate your designs
• A mix of green-field development and working in existing codebases
• Investigate faults methodically in order to resolve them in software or hand them off to a hardware expert
• Work on a cross-functional Agile team
• Receive mentorship and training from senior engineers and help non-coders with software problems
• A successful employee will work with a small team to develop and deploy one or two new software applications to the manufacturing floor in the first six months of employment

Skills

Git

DS & Algorithms

CLI (Bash/PowerShell)

Python

REST APIs

Networking concepts

Education

BA/BS in CS or CE

Tools

Arduino

RS-232

10G Ethernet

Job description

• Job Level : Entry Level (less than 2 years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 10/05/2026
• Years of Experience : Up to 2 Years
• Starting Date : 01/18/2027
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation : $80,000 - $100,000
• Capabilities : Space Training & Cyber
• Salary : $80000 USD Annually - $100,000.00 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 001

Job Description

Readiness Delivered. Kratos builds high-performance hardware used in ground systems and space communications. Our products help communicate with satellites, spacecraft, and other mission-critical platforms. Kratos is seeking a versatile and intellectually curious Manufacturing Software Engineer to develop software that drives automated testing and supports a fast?paced electronics manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for candidates with a solid foundation in computer science who are excited to broaden their expertise into electrical and systems engineering. You’ll work hands?on with hardware, collaborate directly with manufacturing teams, and build both new and existing applications that enhance production capabilities. We’re looking for creative problem-solvers—people with nontraditional backgrounds, unique hobbies, or a passion for learning—who can thrive in an Agile, cross-functional setting and contribute to building robust, user?focused software tools for the manufacturing floor.

• Write software that controls specialized equipment to execute an automated test
• Test and deploy code for use on the onsite manufacturing floor
• Work directly in-person with users and stakeholders to iterate your designs
• A mix of green-field development and working in existing codebases
• Investigate faults methodically in order to resolve them in software or hand them off to a hardware expert
• Work on a cross-functional Agile team
• Receive mentorship and training from senior engineers and help non-coders with software problems
• A successful employee will work with a small team to develop and deploy one or two new software applications to the manufacturing floor in the first six months of employment.

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
• Proficiency with theory and application of Data Structures and Algorithms
• Proficiency in git
• Proficiency writing code for medium to large projects without AI assistance (We use AI tools for some but not all projects)
• Familiarity with at least one command line interface such as Bash or Powershell
• Desire to learn electrical and systems engineering concepts on the job
• US Citizen with Secret clearance eligibility

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Proficiency with python
• Knowledge of computer networking concepts
• Any experience with computer hardware, robotics, or IT – even if you've just built a PC.
• Experience with any of these technologies: REST APIs, RS-232, Arduino, 10+ Gbit Ethernet
• Experience with RF Test and Measurement
• Lacking RF T&M experience, advanced physics courses or music theory are relevant
• Experience with manufacturing or automated test

#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: $80,000-$100,000

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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