Manufacturing Software Engineer

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Manufacturing Software Engineer to develop software that drives automated testing on the manufacturing floor. You will work hands-on with hardware, iterate with users, and contribute to both new and existing applications in a fast-paced electronics environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with manufacturing teams and mentoring other engineers, with a path to deploy multiple software solutions within the first six months.

Qualifications

• Solid foundation in computer science with ability to work on both software and hardware interfaces.
• Experience writing maintainable code for medium to large projects; ability to navigate code without AI assistance.
• Familiarity with command-line interfaces (Bash or PowerShell).

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 designs.
• Investigate faults methodically to resolve them or hand off to hardware experts.
• Work on a cross-functional Agile team.
• Mentor and assist non-coders with software problems.
• Develop and deploy one or two new software applications for the manufacturing floor within six months.

Skills

Data Structures & Algorithms

Git

Large projects coding

CLI: Bash/PowerShell

Hardware/Systems concepts learning

Security clearance eligibility

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

Job Description

• 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.

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 with 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
• Familiarity with full‑stack webapp development. Our tech stack is postgres, sqlalchemy, flask, bootstrap, ES6 Javascript, and HTML
• 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.

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 Affinitive 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.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquires not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

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