Software Architect

Title

Software Architect

K ’s National Security Solutions team provides high‑end engineering and advanced technology solutions to customers in the intelligence and national security communities. The Software Architect will work closely with the Principal Engineer to define the platform’s overall design, reference architecture, and supporting demonstrators. This role demands broad technical depth and is well suited to someone experienced across the full stack of large‑scale, deployed systems who can make principled, high‑quality design decisions across diverse technologies.

• Design and implement high‑quality software while maintaining architectural integrity across the stack.
• Lead architectural decision‑making, setting technical direction and balancing key trade‑offs.
• Own solutions end‑to‑end, from design through deployment and long‑term stewardship.
• Work autonomously, showing initiative and strong problem‑solving capability.
• Collaborate closely within a small, high‑impact team and contribute to shared delivery.
• Operate effectively in a fast‑moving environment with evolving requirements.
• Shape foundational architecture and establish best practices for long‑term success.
• Adopt and explore emerging AI‑assisted development tools to enhance delivery and quality.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or equivalent field.
• 5 years of applicable experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering large‑scale, production‑ready systems.
• Strong cloud and Kubernetes expertise, including ecosystem tooling and Infrastructure‑as‑Code (Terraform, Ansible, or similar).
• Familiarity with Git Ops, secure system design, supply‑chain security, and air‑gapped environments.
• Strong understanding of Dev Sec Ops  principles.
• Experience with messaging or event‑streaming platforms (e.g., Kafka).
• Broad technical capability, able to reason across the stack and make sound architectural trade‑offs.
• Experience with Go, Type Script, or Java; proficiency with Git workflows, code review, and CI/CD.
• Experience with AI‑assisted and agentic development tools, including safe integration practices.
• Effective technical communicator able to document and justify architectural decisions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Active Secret (or higher) clearance.
• Experience supporting government or Department of War (DoW) systems.
• Experience with MILSATCOM, such as AEHF, EPS, WGS, Protected Tactical SATCOM and COMSATCOM.
• Experience with maintaining software requirements alongside systems engineers, and establishing requirements traceability to capabilities.
• Experience integrating Dev Sec Ops  principles into software architecture.
• Certifications such as INCOSE CSEP/ESEP.

Basic Compensation: $127,000 – $159,000 in El Segundo and $116,000 – $145,000 in Colorado Springs. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Location:

On‑site

Travel Requirements:
Minimal

Working Hours:

Standard

If you’re excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

K  offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

K  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.