Software Engineer

KBR Careers; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 92,700 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR seeks a Software Engineer to join the National Security Solutions team in Colorado Springs, CO. This role focuses on high-velocity data stream processing systems and supports AFRL development with a TS clearance path.

Onsite work and close collaboration with defense experts are core aspects of the position. Responsibilities include designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining software, with emphasis on reliability and performance in production environments.

Qualifications

• U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (U.S. citizen required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of professional software development experience.
• Experience across the full SDLC from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and delivery.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with Java, Python, or another object-oriented language.
• Experience building software systems with throughput, reliability, and high availability for data-focused applications.
• Experience developing data processing tools handling multiple formats (XML, Protocol Buffers).
• Proficiency with modern development workflows, version control, collaboration tools, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for high-velocity data stream processing systems.
• Implement features and enhancements from requirements through delivery.
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with emphasis on performance and reliability.
• Develop and execute unit and integration tests to ensure software quality.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to coding standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver end-to-end solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues across development and production environments.

Skills

Top Secret clearance

Java

Python

SDLC

High-throughput

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree in Computer Science (preferred)

Job description

Title

Software Engineer

KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security. KBR is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer to join us in supporting our great nation, supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) development team in Colorado Springs, CO.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: At KBR, you'll be working on prototype projects that support the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s most mission‑critical objectives. The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force.
• Collaborative Environment: KBR fosters a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere where cross‑functional teams of product managers, engineers, developers, and defense experts work in unison. We practice Agile and DevOps principles, ensuring rapid iteration, continuous feedback, and integration across all projects. Our team is passionate, forward‑thinking, and united by a mission‑first mindset that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and problem‑solving at every level.
• Impactful Work: Your work here won’t just be limited to software development—it will directly support the Air Force in expanding current national capabilities. As the Air Force's leader for National‑to‑Tactical capability development, AFRL collaborates with leading experts across the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, National Laboratories, industry, inter‑agency, academia, and partner nations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software for high‑velocity data stream processing systems
• Implement features and enhancements from requirements through delivery
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code with an emphasis on performance and reliability
• Develop and execute unit and integration tests to ensure software quality
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to shared coding standards and best practices
• Collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver end‑to‑end solutions
• Troubleshoot and resolve software issues across development and production environments

Work Environment

• Location: Colorado Springs, CO – 100% Onsite
• Travel Requirements: Minimal
• Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

• Security Clearance: Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility, which is something only a U.S. Citizen can obtain
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field
• 3–5 years of professional software development experience
• Experience across the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and delivery
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with Java, Python, or another object‑oriented programming language
• Experience building software systems with an emphasis on throughput, reliability, and high availability, particularly for data‑focused applications
• Experience developing data processing or integration tools that handle multiple message formats (e.g., XML, Protocol Buffers)
• Proficiency with modern development workflows, including version control systems, collaboration tools, and documentation

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science or a related field
• Working knowledge of MIL‑STD‑6016 and MIL‑STD‑3011
• Experience applying Test‑Driven Development (TDD) principles and patterns
• Experience working within Agile software development methodologies
• Security+ certification
• Strong curiosity and investigative mindset with attention to detail, adaptability to new challenges, and resilience in meeting team deliverables
• Passion for researching complex problems and continuously learning and adopting new technologies

Basic Compensation

$92,700 - $139,000 (For the Colorado Springs Area Only)

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short‑term incentives, long‑term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

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.