Entry Level Defense Contractor Jobs in California

• Job Level : Entry Level (less than 2 years)
• Level of Education : BA/BS
• Job Type : Full-Time/Regular
• Date Updated : 08/13/2026
• Years of Experience : 1+ Years
• Starting Date : Invalid Date
• Travel Requirement : Domestic
• Compensation : $85,000 - $95,000
• Capabilities : Unmanned Systems
• Salary : $85,000 USD Annually - $95,000 USD Annually
• Years Of Experience : 1+

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!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Each successive level of Software Engineer builds on the identified typical job functions listed for the previous level(s) of Software Engineer

These duties and responsibilities apply to all levels of Software Engineers.

• Analyses and decomposes system, and subsystem requirements and specifications collaboratively with other engineering disciplines.
• Writes software requirements specifications, software test descriptions, design descriptions, test reports, and progress reports.
• Designs, implements, tests, and documents software according to specifications, using approved KUAS software processes and tools.
• Prepares and presents design review material in support of technical interchange meetings with suppliers and external/internal customers.
• Participates in code reviews, verifies software change specification compliance, and records review and verification results.
• Supports flight testing, data reduction, analysis, and reporting.
• Participates in software effort planning and estimation activities.
• Participates in tracking and reporting progress on assignments.
• Supports collection of software development metrics and continuous improvement processes.
• Complies with established KUAS business policies and procedures.
• Follows safety policies and guidelines.
• Ensures that the work area and equipment are kept clean.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Software Engineer I

• Works under the specific direction and guidance of senior engineers and manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000

Experience and Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Required

• Demonstrated understanding of Object Oriented programming principles.
• Demonstrated understanding of the specific characteristics and requirements of real-time software and systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of classic software development life-cycle.
• Ability to analyze and clearly document software requirements.
• Ability to travel as necessary to perform job duties.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross‑functionally to meet program requirements.
• 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

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Each successive level of Software Engineer builds on the identified education and experience qualifications listed for the previous level(s) of Software Engineer Required Software Engineer I

• Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other Engineering, Mathematics, or Science discipline, with appropriate software coursework and/or experience.
• Coursework or prior experience in C or C++ programming language, and data structures.
• Coursework or experience with software version control tools, debugging tools, and test methods.

Preferred Software Engineer I

• Coursework or other experience with MatLab / Simulink, or other system modeling.
• Familiarity with principles of Personal Software Process/ Team Software Process.
• Familiarity with principles of Test Driven Development.
• Familiarity with aerodynamic concepts and principles.
• Experience with Java.

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 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.
• 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.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply toour careers site, please send your request to HRAccessibility@kratosdefense.com or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiresnot related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate againstemployees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay ofanother employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review ourprivacy notice .