Principal Software Engineer

KBR Careers; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR’s Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture and delivery of software for a new Modeling and Simulation Lab. You will drive integration with existing systems, analyze new tech insertions, and ensure robust communication between devices, databases, and services.

The role requires strong analytical skills, collaboration with in-house and DoD-government customers, and willingness to travel up to 15%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in CS or STEM with 10+ years of experience.
• Master’s degree in CS or related STEM with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience with Agile methods and Jira.
• Experience integrating COTS/GOTS products and APIs.
• Familiarity with Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems.
• Programming in Java, C, C++, MATLAB, Python.
• GIT, Gitlab, or DevOps experience.
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain Secret Clearance; 15% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and development of software for the modeling lab.
• Research technology insertions and integrate with existing systems.
• Develop APIs to enhance interoperability among products.
• Demonstrate software capabilities to government customers.
• Travel up to 15% and work on-site when required.

Skills

Java, C, C++, Python

Agile/SCRUM

Git/GitLab/DevOps

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Education

BS in CS or STEM, 10+ years

MS in CS or STEM, 5+ years

Tools

Jira

GIT / GitLab

DevOps tooling

Docker / Kubernetes

Job description

Program Summary

KBR’s Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of Defense, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.

Title

Principal Software Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer to lead the architecture, development, implementation and optimization of software solutions to be integrated into a new Modeling and Simulation Lab. This individual will research and analyze new technology insertion with existing software systems, to include implementing and verifying communication capability between devices, databases, and services. Candidates require strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to collaborate with multiple “in‑house” and GOTS simulation and tool developers. Strong interpersonal skills will be required as you will interface directly with the Government customer conducting regular software demonstrations. Up to 15% travel for meetings and test events will be required. The ideal candidate should be a problem-solver, resourceful, independently motivated and detail oriented, willing to travel occasionally, and work in the office when required. The position requires good time management, communication and computer skills.

Relocation

Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or able to relocate to the Huntsville‑North Alabama area.

Required Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or other STEM related fields (Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, CIS, etc.) with 10+ years of experience or a master’s degree in computer science or related STEM fields with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience with the latest software development management processes and tools (Agile methods, SCRUM boards, Jira, etc.)
• Experience integrating COTS/GOTS products in a software laboratory environment. Analyzing and developing APIs to enhance interoperability amongst products.
• Familiarity with Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems.
• Working knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C, C++, MATLAB, and/or Python.
• Experience with GIT, Gitlab, or DevOps (or similar) required.
• Candidate must be a US Citizen.
• Possess or be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
• Able to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Able to work on site when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with missile defense systems.
• Experience in physics‑based models and simulations.
• Linux and Windows software development environments experience.
• Ability to develop clear and concise software capabilities demonstrations and briefings and present to government customers.
• Experience in software design, development, documentation, and testing of modelling and simulation software.
• Familiarity with development and integration of containerized products (e.g. Docker Compose, Kubernetes, etc.)
• Experience with SecDevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Development pipelines to include resolution of cyber vulnerabilities, bugs and technical issues.
• Direct experience as a software development lead with expertise in managing challenging execution schedules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong social skills, and ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members, leadership, and customers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with strong presentation skills and capable of briefing audiences large or small of varying technical knowledge.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic, responsive, and collaborative environment, and dedicated to the success of our government customers.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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