Demo

Software Engineer, Lead

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
Annapolis, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 3/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/25/2026
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 looking for a Lead Software Engineer to join our team in-person in Annapolos Junction, MD. This position develops, maintains, and enhances complex software systems based on documented requirements. Key responsibilities include leading software development teams to analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements, overseeing the modification or implementation of software to meet those requirements, validating testing and documentation to verify that the software meets requirements, and improving the various software development processes and best practices used on the project.

Experience And Skills

  • TS/SCI with Full Poly
  • Design, develop, and modify software in languages such as C , Java, and Python to implement algorithms and improve system performance, and perform quality control and reviews on the software developed by the team
  • Analyze user and system requirements, investigate problem areas, and develop solutions by evaluating system flows, data usage, hardware/software tradeoffs (COTs/GOTs), and performance standards
  • Oversee one or more software development teams and ensure the work is completed in accordance with the constraints of the software development process used on any particular project
  • Debug and correct software defects, adapt software to new hardware or operating environments, and oversee the integration of major components into existing systems
  • Develop and execute test procedures, implement database interfaces and queries, and approve software and system documentation for the team
  • Support process improvement by implementing new documentation and development standards, and serve as a team leader at the level appropriate to the software development process being used
  • Minimum 14 years experience with BS degree

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Advanced experience with satellite communications concepts including link budgets, modulation/demodulation, and the integration of common satellite communications equipment and operations
  • Demonstrated expertise in RF signal processing techniques and the analysis of IQ data using tools such as NumPy, SciPy, or MATLAB
  • Comprehensive understanding of geolocation techniques (TDOA/FDOA), estimation theory, and coordinate reference systems, with the ability to model satellite orbit mechanics and doppler estimation
  • Experience leading web application development using modern frameworks and RESTful API backends, including complex data visualization for geospatial or signal data display
  • Proficiency in architecting cloud-native solutions (AWS, Azure, or GovCloud) including orchestration (Kubernetes), infrastructure as code (Terraform, CloudFormation), and automated CI/CD pipeline design
  • Experience designing and implementing message-oriented architectures or streaming data frameworks (Kafka, RabbitMQ, Redis) for high-throughput signal processing and data distribution

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 Software Engineer, Lead in Annapolis, MD
$158,321 to $189,623
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