What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Software Architect position at Kratos Defense?
General Job Summary
We are seeking a Principal Software Architect to lead the technical vision, architecture, development, integration, test, release, and sustainment of software supporting the AN/SPY-1 program at our Crane, IN, location. This senior technical leader will serve as the principal software authority across test set software, artificial intelligence-enabled tools, data and analytics capabilities, platform integrations, and related mission support applications.
The successful candidate will translate complex operational, engineering, cybersecurity, and program requirements into secure, scalable, interoperable software solutions. This role requires hands-on architectural leadership, strong software delivery discipline, and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams through the full software development lifecycle in regulated and mission-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain the technical architecture, software standards, development roadmap, and engineering governance for SPY-1 software capabilities.
- Lead the design, development, modernization, integration, test, deployment, and sustainment of SPY-1 test set software and associated mission support applications.
- Architect and deliver AI-enabled tools that improve troubleshooting, documentation, engineering analysis, and user effectiveness.
- Lead integration efforts among AN/SPY-1 software, test equipment, enterprise platforms, data sources, and adjacent Navy, Department of Defense, or customer systems.
- Establish software configuration management, version control practices, release readiness criteria, automated testing, and production deployment processes.
- Partner with systems engineers, cybersecurity personnel, test engineers, program leadership, operators, and external stakeholders to ensure software solutions align with operational needs and engineering objectives.
- Oversee software verification and validation activities, including test planning, defect triage, root cause analysis, performance evaluation, and acceptance support.
- Ensure solutions meet applicable cybersecurity, information assurance, data management, and government hosting requirements.
- Develop technical documentation, architecture artifacts, interface control documentation, software design specifications, and operational support materials.
- Assess emerging technologies and recommend practical adoption of AI, automation, data platforms, and software development tools that strengthen AN/SPY-1 readiness and sustainment.
Competencies and Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, information systems, or a related technical discipline. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience
- Ten or more years of progressive experience in software engineering, software architecture, systems integration, technical delivery, or related technical leadership roles.
- Demonstrated experience leading software development and delivery for complex, mission-critical, regulated, or operational systems.
- Experience architecting and integrating enterprise applications using APIs, modular services, containerized deployments, and modern software-development practices.
- Experience establishing or governing software release processes, configuration management, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and deployment readiness.
- Experience working in cross-functional environments that include software engineering, systems engineering, cybersecurity, testing, operations, and program management.
- Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- Ability to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the program.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Navy, Department of Defense, defense industrial base, radar, combat system, test equipment, or other operational technology programs.
- Experience designing, deploying, or supporting AI-enabled applications, including generative AI workflows, retrieval augmented generation, knowledge systems, context engineering, structured output validation, and workflow orchestration.
- Knowledge of cyber security compliance, security control inheritance, vulnerability management processes, and secure software development practices.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities and career progression within BD and program management functions.
- A collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven work environment.
Security Clearance
Possess or be able to obtain Secret security clearance
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