Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Software Engineer

Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years real-time software development experience for industrial control systems
  • BS degree in Software Engineering or related field
  • Proficient in programming languages such as C and C++
  • Strong understanding of control system principles and software engineering best practices
  • Familiarity with requirements analysis and documentation for real-time embedded software

Responsibilities

  • Define, design, and manage complexities of real-time control software
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers
  • Conduct requirements analysis for functional and safety aspects of control software
  • Maintain detailed software design specifications and technical documentation
  • Identify and assess software-related risks during development and integration
  • Integrate control software with hardware systems and HMI interfaces
  • Develop software verification and validation plans, including all necessary tests

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Retirement savings plan options
  • Opportunities for professional development
  • Supportive work environment promoting continuous learning
  • Involvement in cutting-edge technology projects
Full Job Description
Kratos has an exciting opportunity for a Software Engineer I or II. The Software Engineer leverages expertise in Software Engineering principles, real-time programming, control system theory, and system integration methodologies to define, design, develop, test, and manage the complexities of real-time control software for mechanical, fluid, electrical, and safety systems.
  • Responsible for software requirements definition, development, communications (internal and external), and testing
  • Mentors and develops other engineers
  • Conducts requirements analysis to elicit, document, and manage the functional, performance, timing, safety, and non-functional requirements of real-time control software for fluid, electrical, and safety systems, ensuring robust interaction and adherence to relevant software development and safety standards (e.g., IEC 61508 and other applicable industry standards)
  • Develops and maintains detailed software design specifications, well-structured source code, and comprehensive technical documentation
  • Applies software modeling techniques (e.g., UML, state diagrams), simulation tools, and rigorous testing methodologies to analyze, verify, and optimize the structure, behavior, performance, and reliability of control software
  • Performs functional analysis to decompose high-level system control requirements into detailed software functions, modules, and tasks, allocating them to specific software components and defining clear interfaces with hardware (sensors, actuators, PLCs) for fluid, electrical, and safety control
  • Identifies and assesses potential software-related risks associated with development, integration, deployment, and operation-particularly concerning timing constraints, resource utilization, system stability, fault tolerance, and safety integrity for fluid, electrical, and safety control systems.
  • Contributes to the integration aspects of real-time control software, including defining, developing, and managing software interfaces with physical hardware (sensors, actuators, I/O modules), other embedded software modules, communication networks, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) systems
  • Develops and executes software verification and validation plans, defining the strategy and scope (including unit tests, integration tests, system tests, and regression tests) for ensuring the developed control software meets all specified functional, performance, and safety requirements, potentially utilizing Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation and supporting system commissioning activities


  • Follows established software development procedures and adheres to relevant industry standards (e.g., IEC 61508 for functional safety, MISRA C/C++, or other applicable coding standards), and best practices for real-time software
  • Proficient with requirements analysis principles and methodologies as applied to real-time embedded software, including functional, performance, timing, reliability, and safety critical aspects for control systems
  • Experienced with real-time software design and development lifecycles, algorithm implementation, control logic programming (e.g., C, C++, PLC languages if applicable), data structures, and comprehensive software documentation
  • Knowledge of risk management processes related to software development, system integration, and operational reliability, particularly concerning timing constraints, fault tolerance, resource utilization, and safety integrity in control applications for fluid, electrical, and safety systems.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with standard office software, high proficiency in programming languages such as C and/or C++ for real-time embedded systems, experience with version control systems (e.g., Git), and familiarity with development/debugging tools and environments for embedded control systems
  • BS degree in Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a relevant technical field with significant software development experience focused on control systems
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in real-time software development for industrial control systems, with demonstrable experience in designing, developing, testing, and deploying software for the operational control of fluid systems, electrical systems, and/or safety-critical applications

Preferred Skills/Experience
  • Proficiency with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation platforms and methodologies for testing and validating control software
  • In-depth knowledge and practical experience with industrial communication protocols such as DDS, OPC UA, or MQTT, including protocol analysis and troubleshooting
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA environments (e.g., IEC 62443)
  • Experience with any combination of: Git, Jira, and Jama requirements management software
  • Knowledge and/or experience with relevant quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and CMMC

#LI-Onsite

Competitive salary based on experience and education

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

About Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, solutions, and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Kratos Government Solutions, Unmanned Systems, and Public Safety & Security. The Kratos Government Solutions segment offers microwave electronic products, satellite communications, training systems, modular systems, and defense and rocket support services. The Unmanned Systems segment provides unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne, as well as command, control, and communications systems. The Public Safety & Security segment designs, engineers, deploys, operates, integrates, maintains, and operates security and surveillance solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, government, and commercial customers. The company serves national security related agencies, the department of defense, intelligence agencies, and classified agencies, as well as international government agencies and domestic and international commercial customers; and critical infrastructure, power generation, power transport, nuclear energy, financial, IT, healthcare, education, transportation, and petro-chemical industries, as well as government and military customers. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Size
3,300 employees
Market Cap
$1.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.6 million
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+8.4%
Revenue
$747.6 million
NASDAQ

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