Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Arlington (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions is seeking a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded) to architect and implement mission-critical software for next-generation UAV flight computers. You will bridge flight algorithms with avionics hardware, delivering high-performance C++ applications for deterministic control and reliability.

Collaboration with GNC engineers includes MATLAB/Simulink interfaces. The role demands leadership of software engineers, adherence to KUAS specifications, and a

Qualifications

• Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline; 18 years of experience in lieu of BS.
• 15 years of C or C++ programming experience.
• 3+ years aerospace/aviation/UAV software engineering experience.
• Familiarity with object-oriented programming principles and RTOS.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop simulation modelling and firmware updates.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and tests C++ flight software and hardware, sensor, and actuator integrations.
• Analyzes and decomposes system requirements with other engineering disciplines.
• Writes software requirements specifications, software test descriptions, design descriptions, and test reports.
• Designs, implements, tests, and documents software according to KUAS specifications.
• Mentors mid-level Software Engineers
• Hybrid, work from office T/W/Th in Arlington, TX.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Aerospace/UAV software

OOP concepts

SDLC documentation

Hardware-in-the-loop

Security clearance / US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

VxWorks

LabView

Atlassian tools

Job description

About The Job

As a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded), you will architect and implement mission-critical software for our next-generation UAV flight computers. You will be the primary link between complex flight algorithms and custom avionics hardware, developing high-performance C++ applications that ensure deterministic control and absolute system reliability. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, you will collaborate with electrical and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) engineers to design and implement complex physical-digital interactions with MATLAB/Simulink.

Job Description

Job Description:

About The Job

As a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded), you will architect and implement mission-critical software for our next-generation UAV flight computers. You will be the primary link between complex flight algorithms and custom avionics hardware, developing high-performance C++ applications that ensure deterministic control and absolute system reliability. Working at the intersection of hardware and software, you will collaborate with electrical and GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) engineers to design and implement complex physical-digital interactions with MATLAB/Simulink.

What You’ll Do

• Designs, develops, and tests C++ flight software and hardware, sensor, and actuator integrations.
• Analyzes and decomposes system requirements collaboratively with other engineering disciplines.
• Writes software requirements specifications, software test descriptions, design descriptions, and test reports
• Designs, implements, tests, and documents software according to KUAS specifications
• Mentors mid-level Software Engineers
• Hybrid, work from office T/W/Th in Arlington, TX

Experience And Skills

Required Experience:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – A qualified candidate should have the expected year of service based on the JD. However, we can factor in entry level V qualified candidates in the compensation range.

• Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline, 18 YOE in lieu of BS degree.
• 15 years of C or C++ programming experience
• 3+ years aerospace/aviation/UAV software engineering experience
• Demonstrated understanding of Object-Oriented programming principles and RTOS systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of software development life-cycle and clearly document software requirements.
• Hands on ability to troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop simulation modelling and make firmware updates
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills with tools such as Atlassian, MATLAB/Simulink, VxWorks, LabView
• Skills implementing interface controls based on MBSE design documentation
• Previous familiarity with OMS/UCI, A-GRA, STANAG 4586, DO-178C, AS9100, DoDI 8500.01

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).
• 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:

• 5-10% May be required between other KUAS locations.

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 Affirmative 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.

Pay Transparency

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.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.