Software Engineer IV (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense

UShybrid$160k-$250k/yrPosted Jul 10, 2026
Posting intelligenceActively listed

Skills

c++go

About the role

Job Description:

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting-edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high-performance, cost-effective, jet-powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid-tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top-notch jet-powered subscale targets has established us as a go-to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

Hybrid Statement: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The specific schedule, which combines on-site and remote work in Roseville, CA (95661), will be determined by the hiring manager based on the team's operational needs and business goals.

ABOUT THE JOB

As an Embedded Software Engineer, 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

Compensation $160,000 - $250,000

Experience and Skills:

Required Experience:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline, or 15 YOE in lieu of BS degree.

10 years of C or C++ programming 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

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:

Hybrid Roseville Office: WFH - Mondays & Fridays / In Office - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays

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 be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Relocation - This position may offer relocation assistance based on candidate eligibility.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com 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.

From: Kratos Defense

Compensation

This Software Engineer role pays $160k-$250k/yr. Within typical range for software engineer roles in United States.

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