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Kratos Defense
Kratos Defense

60 Kratos Defense Lead Software Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Kratos Defense

Lead Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology ... Kratos is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Level 4), in Boulder, CO , to lead and innovate within ...

Kratos Defense

Lead Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology ... Kratos is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Level 4), in Boulder, CO , to lead and innovate within ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on ... Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS ...

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Kratos Defense Jobs Information

What is it like to work at Kratos Defense?

Kratos Defense is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and a customer-centric approach, fostering a dynamic and results-driven work environment.

The company's team structure is organized around mission-focused groups, with employees working together to design, develop, and integrate advanced defense systems and solutions. Kratos Defense operates in a fast-paced, technology-driven industry, with a focus on delivering cutting-edge products and services to support national security and defense initiatives.

Working at Kratos Defense may appeal to individuals who are passionate about advancing technology and contributing to critical national security missions, with opportunities to work on complex projects, collaborate with experienced professionals, and develop skills in areas such as engineering, software development, and program management.

What makes Kratos Defense an attractive place to work?

Kratos Defense is a leading provider of advanced missile and rocket systems, with a strong reputation for innovation and expertise in the defense industry. The company's workplace culture values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to its customers, with a focus on employee growth and development. Joining Kratos Defense offers opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects, develop new skills, and be part of a dynamic team that is shaping the future of defense technology.

Do workers at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
100% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Does Kratos Defense & Security Solutions pay people when they’re sick?

Sometimes. Only some people get paid when they’re sick.
44% of people say they wouldn’t get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

At Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
89% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and March 2026.

Is the health insurance from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Most people get paid time off work.
100% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and March 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
90% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
88% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Is working at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions good if you’re a parent or caregiver?

Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
80% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 5 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
80% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
70% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Some people feel stressed here.
60% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
78% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
40% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Most people got enough training when they started.
70% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 78% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do people think Kratos Defense & Security Solutions’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Some people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
67% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
50% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.

What other companies are hiring for Lead Software Engineer jobs?

What are the most popular jobs at Kratos Defense?

What are the most popular categories at Kratos Defense?

Infographic showing various Lead Software Engineer job openings at Kratos Defense in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Lead Software Engineer

Kratos Defense

Boulder, CO • On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Readiness Delivered. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.  We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions—always striving to do the right thing. Kratos is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Level 4), in Boulder, CO, to lead and innovate within our dynamic, agile environment. This role architects and champions a SecDevOps approach across the entire software development lifecycle, driving the strategic design, development, testing, and operational scaling based on user feedback. The ideal candidate will operate with high autonomy, guiding collaborative teams to design, implement, and maintain complex software solutions while establishing modern industry standards and communicating technical vision clearly to stakeholders. Key responsibilities include architecting system integrations to develop and deploy enterprise applications, as well as orchestrating containerization strategies using Kubernetes to manage and scale critical services. Additionally, the role involves engineering testing infrastructure and automation by designing and maintaining robust automated test scripts within optimized CI/CD pipelines, and delivering advanced operational support through technical requirements verification, system documentation, and complex troubleshooting in simulated environments.


  • BA/BS Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related field of study
  • 10 - 15 years of industry experience
  • The successful candidate must have extensive, expert-level software engineering experience in industry to be proficient in the following:
    • Leading the design, development, and optimization of Java and C/C++ applications (including advanced network, multi-threaded, and high-performance client-server architectures) across Windows and Linux platforms
    • Designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise-grade automation using Python, Unix Shell scripting, Batch files, and Windows script files
    • Architectural mastery of relational database design, advanced query optimization, and complex Structured Query Language (SQL) data manipulation
    • Architecting and driving innovative solutions to complex, ambiguous engineering problems while mentoring junior and mid-level engineers

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Platform Expertise: Subject matter expertise in architecting and scaling Red Hat OpenShift and enterprise Kubernetes infrastructures.
  • Domain Leadership: Deep domain knowledge of FORGE MDPAF or satellite ground station processing systems (including advanced planning, ground control, and high-throughput data processing).
  • Enterprise DevSecOps Tools: Advanced proficiency driving automation via Python, optimizing CI/CD workflows within GitLab/Azure DevOps, and managing lifecycles using Jira/Confluence.
  • Comprehensive Testing Architecture: Proven track record designing and leading automated functional, integration, regression, and high-load performance testing strategies.
  • Security & Compliance: Possession of an active Top Secret/SCI or Secret security clearance.
  • Industry Certifications: Advanced professional certifications such as Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA), Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
  • Modern Infrastructure: Extensive experience implementing advanced Infrastructure as Code (IaC) architectures (e.g., Terraform) and mature GitOps workflows.

#LI-Onsite 

The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Competitive salary based on experience and education
Salary Range: $150,000-$170,000

Kratos is valued for our ability to design and deliver leading edge, resilient solutions for aerospace communication, control, awareness and mission success across a continuum of offerings—from commercial to tailored custom solutions and integrated programs. Customers trust us to stay relevant and know we are in it for the long-haul. We bring both the capability and confidence that our customers value and depend on. And we always deliver.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.   

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