Principal Software Engineer

Title:Principal Software EngineerBelong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!KBR’s National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country’s most critical role – protecting our national security.KBR, is seeking a highly motivated Principal Software Engineer to join us in supporting our great nation, supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) development team in Colorado Springs, CO.Why Join Us?Innovative Projects: At KBR, you'll be working on prototype projects that support the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s most mission-critical objectives. The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace force. Collaborative Environment: KBR fosters a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere where cross-functional teams of product managers, engineers, developers, and defense experts work in unison. We practice Agile and DevOps principles, ensuring rapid iteration, continuous feedback, and integration across all projects. Our team is passionate, forward-thinking, and united by a mission-first mindset that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and problem-solving at every level. Impactful Work: Your work here won’t just be limited to software development—it will directly support the Air Force in expanding current national capabilities. As the Air Force's leader for National-to-Tactical capability development, AFRL collaborates with leading experts across the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, National Laboratories, industry, inter-agency, academia, and partner nations. Key Responsibilities:Serve as the technical leader for software development efforts supporting high-velocity data stream processing systemsDefine software architecture, technical strategy, and long-term roadmap for mission-critical applicationsAnalyze customer requirements and translate mission objectives into scalable system and software solutionsLead architecture reviews, design reviews, and technology evaluationsDrive development of highly available, resilient, and high-performance software systemsEstablish software engineering standards, best practices, and technical governance across teamsLead complex integration, test, and deployment activities across multiple programs and stakeholdersEvaluate vendor technologies, open-source solutions, and emerging technologies for program adoptionLead technical investigations, trade studies, and root-cause analyses for mission-critical issuesMentor engineers across all levels and provide technical leadership for multiple teamsCoordinate planning, staffing, scheduling, and execution of software engineering activitiesServe as a trusted technical advisor to program leadership, customers, and mission partnersWork Environment:Location: Colorado Springs, CO – 100% OnsiteTravel Requirements: MinimalWorking Hours: StandardRequired Qualifications:10+ years of progressive software engineering experienceExtensive experience designing and developing distributed, high-availability, mission-critical software systemsAdvanced expertise with Java, Python, or other object-oriented programming languagesDemonstrated experience leading software architecture and technical strategy effortsExperience guiding engineering teams through the full software development lifecycleExperience developing complex data processing, integration, or real-time streaming systemsDemonstrated success leading cross-functional engineering teams and large technical initiativesStrong communication skills with the ability to engage engineers, leadership, and customersRequired Education and Experience:Active U.S. Government Top Secret / SCI security clearance (U.S. citizenship required)Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical field10+ years of progressive related experienceDesired Qualifications:Master's degree in Computer Science or related fieldDeep knowledge of MIL-STD-6016 and MIL-STD-3011Experience serving as a software architect, chief engineer, or technical lead across multiple projectsExperience modernizing legacy systems and implementing technology roadmapsExpertise in TDD, CI/CD, DevSecOps, and Agile methodologiesSecurity+ or higher DoD 8570/8140 certificationDemonstrated ability to influence organizational technical direction and mentor engineering talent across multiple teamsBasic Compensation: $142,800 - $214,200 (For the Colorado Springs Area Only)The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.Additional Compensation:KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of a sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.Belong, Connect and Grow at KBRAt KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.SummaryLocation: Colorado Springs, ColoradoType: Full time