Principal UAV Embedded Software Architect

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Roseville (CA); Hybrid; USD 220,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense is seeking a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded) to architect and implement mission-critical C++ software for next-generation UAV flight computers. You will bridge complex flight algorithms with custom avionics hardware, collaborating with GNC engineers to ensure deterministic control and absolute system reliability.

Hybrid work from the Roseville, CA office Tue/Wed/Thu; compensation $220,000–$250,000.

Qualifications

• 15 years of C/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 firmware updates.
• Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

C/C++ programming

Object-Oriented programming

RTOS experience

System requirements analysis

Mentoring

Education

BS in Computing Science / Computer Science / Computer Engineering

18+ years of experience in lieu of BS

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

VxWorks

LabVIEW

Atlassian tools

Job description

Kratos Defense is seeking a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded) to architect and implement mission-critical C++ software for next-generation UAV flight computers. You will bridge complex flight algorithms with custom avionics hardware, collaborating with GNC engineers to ensure deterministic control and absolute system reliability.

Hybrid work from the Roseville, CA office Tue/Wed/Thu; compensation $220,000–$250,000.