Demo

Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Oklahoma, OK Full Time
POSTED ON 9/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/9/2026
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!

About The Job

As a Principal Software Engineer V (UAV Embedded), 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
  • Mentors mid-level Software Engineers
  • Hybrid, work from office T/W/Th in Oklahomna City, OK

Experience And Skills

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – A qualified candidate should have the expected year of service based on the JD. However, we can factor in entry level V qualified candidates in the compensation range.

  • Requires BS degree in Computing Science, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other technical discipline, 18 YOE in lieu of BS degree.
  • 15 years of C or C programming experience
  • 3 years aerospace/aviation/UAV software engineering 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
  • Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

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:

  • 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 work extended hours or weekends.
  • 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.

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

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

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.

Salary.com Estimation for Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded) in Oklahoma, OK
$94,668 to $115,823
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded)?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded) career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$117,524 - $131,245
Income Estimation: 
$145,630 - $167,634
Income Estimation: 
$90,609 - $105,383
Income Estimation: 
$117,524 - $131,245
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Kratos Defense and Security Solutions

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Glen Burnie, MD
  • Job Description Kratos Space & Missile Defense Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of launch vehicle services for the US Military and Foreign Allies. Krato... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Huntsville, AL
  • Job Description GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Buyer I will oversee the Procurement functions at Kratos SRE, Inc., Huntsville, AL. A purchasing professional with... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Huntsville, AL
  • Job Description GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Information Systems Security Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations and support of classified inform... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Kratos Defense and Security Solutions Huntsville, AL
  • Job Description RF Engineer JOB ID: 85347-368677 Job Description: GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: This full-time position is in the Systems Development Department and... more
  • 17 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Principal Software Engineer (UAV Embedded) jobs in the Oklahoma, OK area that may be a better fit.

  • Cotality Oklahoma, OK
  • At Cotality, we are driven by a single mission—to make the property industry faster, smarter, and more people-centric. Cotality is the trusted source for p... more
  • 18 Days Ago

  • YouVersion Edmond, OK
  • At YouVersion, we build technology that helps people around the world connect with God every day. The YouVersion Software Engineer is primarily responsible... more
  • 19 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!