Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Time-Off

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded) to architect and implement mission-critical C++ software for UAV flight computers. The role bridges software with avionics hardware, working with MATLAB/Simulink alongside GNC engineers.

You will design, test, and document software per KUAS specs, mentor engineers, and participate in a hybrid Arlington, TX work model. A strong background in C++, RTOS, and avionics is required.

Qualifications

• Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field; 18+ years of experience in lieu of BS.
• 15 years of C/C++ programming experience.
• 3+ years aerospace/aviation/UAV software engineering experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of OO programming and RTOS.
• Experience with software development life-cycle and documenting software requirements.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware-in-the-loop simulation modelling and firmware updates.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement mission-critical C++ flight software for UAV embedded systems.
• Collaborate with electrical and GNC engineers to integrate hardware and software.
• Write software requirements, design descriptions, and test reports.
• Mentor mid-level Software Engineers and review code.
• Work in a hybrid model at Arlington, TX with office presence T/W/Th.

Skills

C/C++ programming

RTOS

Object-oriented programming

Software life-cycle

Hardware-in-the-loop

Security clearance

Education

BA/BS in Computing Science/CS/CE or related

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

VxWorks

LabView

Atlassian tools

Job description

Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

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• Job Tracking ID : 85347-369752
• Job Location :
• Job Level : Mid Career (2+ years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 08/07/2026
• Years of Experience : 15+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation :
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $0
• Years Of Experience : 15+

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 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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