Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Roseville (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded) in Roseville, CA. You will architect and implement mission-critical flight software that interfaces with custom avionics hardware and MATLAB/Simulink tools.

The role requires 15+ years of C/C++ experience, a BS in a technical field, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance. Hybrid work from the Roseville office is expected.

Qualifications

• Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline.
• 15+ years of C or C++ programming experience.
• 3+ years aerospace/aviation/UAV software engineering experience.
• Understanding of object-oriented programming principles and RTOS systems.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
• Experience with software development life-cycle and documenting software requirements.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement mission-critical C++ software for UAV flight computers.
• Collaborate with hardware, GNC, and electrical engineers on complex physical-digital interfaces.
• Write software requirements, test descriptions, and design documents.
• Ensure deterministic control and reliability across flight software.
• Mentor mid-level software engineers.
• Operate in a hybrid office setting in Roseville, CA.

Skills

C/C++ programming

RTOS

Software lifecycle

HIL debugging

Security clearance

Object-oriented design

Embedded systems

Education

BA/BS in CS/Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

VxWorks

LabVIEW

Job description

Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

• Job Tracking ID : 85347-369716
• Job Location :
• Job Level : Mid Career (2+ years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 08/06/2026
• Years of Experience : 15+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation : $220,000 - $250,000
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $220,000 USD Annually - $250,000 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 15+

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 Roseville, CA.
• Compensation: $220,000 - $250,000.

Experience and Skills

Required Experience:

• 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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