Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in California

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!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Perform software engineering tasks related to the design, implementation, test, and validation of autonomous aircraft flight control software, and higher-level autonomy functions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Software architecture definition.
• Design and implement operator interfaces, autonomous logic algorithms, waypoint following, and path generation algorithms.
• Support subsystem testing and verification.
• Flight test planning, execution, and analysis.
• Support various hardware/software design, test, troubleshooting, and documentation activities.
• Derive subsystem requirements and specifications.
• Analyses in support of requirements generation, verification, and validation.
• Prepare formal, controlled engineering documentation (i.e.test procedures, technical reports, etc.).
• Prepare and present design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Support customer training activities.
• Foreign and domestic travel to support flight test activities.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Flight Control Software Engineer III

• Performs complex engineering tasks as assigned by their manager.
• Supports program planning of engineering activities through detailed scope definition.
• May act as System Engineer to help communicate top level requirements to subsystems and determine proper verification and validation methods.
• Reports progress on engineering efforts to technical leadership.
• Provides direction and oversight, both technically and programmatically, to Flight Control Software Engineers.
• Establishes and maintains best practices for design, analysis, and testing responsibilities held by the Guidance, Navigation, and Control group.
• Mentors Level I-II Flight Control Software Engineers.

Flight Control Software Engineer IV

• Provide oversight to the Flight Control Software group to help prioritize and delegate group work given the company's programmatic requirements.
• Manages the engineering team's effort and time within the budget and schedule provided for the task.
• Acts as key liaison for programs (both internal and external) on all matters having to do software development, design, and verification.
• Stays current on the "state-of-the-practice" through training and industry involvement/exposure, and mentors the Flight Control Softwaregroup with this knowledge.
• Mentors Level I-III Flight Control Software Engineers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

COMPENSATION: $140,000 - $210,000

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Demonstrated strength in one or more of the listed technical competencies.
• Understanding of flight control logic and automation.
• Ability to create a runtime environment for autonomous functions.
• Knowledge of software development process.
• Knowledge of object-oriented programming.
• Knowledge of software architecture design.
• Demonstrated focus on customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to interact appropriately with the public when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules.
• Ability to effectively communicate professionally in writing or verbally with all levels of personnel.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Preferred:

• MATLAB and Simulink experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with C/C++ software is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred.
• Understanding of autopilot flight control design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems and operations is preferred
• Familiarity with software configuration management systems is preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Flight Control Software Engineer III

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (Computer Science or Software Engineering preferred).
• 6 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

Flight Control Software Engineer IV

• Requires BS degree in Engineering (MS Computer Science or Software Engineering preferred).
• 11 + years related experience in related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years lead engineer experience in the aerospace industry.

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).
• Frequent outside contact with customers and suppliers.
• 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: 

• 10-25% May be required to support flight test activities, new business development, and customer maintenance occasionally.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY.   THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES