Lead Software Engineer

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.

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.

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