Software Lead

Software Lead

K ’s Mission Engineering Division delivers complex technical solutions and expert support to the U.S. Department of War, specializing in modeling and simulation, cyber transformation, air vehicle mission integration, and lifecycle support. As a trusted partner with a proven history in mission technology, K  collaborates closely with clients to develop innovative and effective solutions. With a strong ethical framework, K  prioritizes data security, privacy, and responsible information management to ensure mission success.

The Software Lead provides technical leadership for all software efforts supporting a Counter‑Uncrewed Systems (CUxS) program operating in a government‑led, industry‑integrated environment. This role leads software activities across the full lifecycle—from requirements analysis and design through development, testing, deployment, and sustainment—while ensuring alignment with customer objectives and program standards. The position partners closely with engineering teams, system integrators, and government stakeholders to deliver reliable, maintainable software solutions for scientific and engineering applications.

This role also provides hands‑on technical direction and oversight for assigned software personnel supporting mission‑critical systems.

• Lead all software activities within the program, ensuring successful execution from design through deployment and sustainment in accordance with contract and program requirements
• Translate customer and system requirements into software architectures, designs, and implementation approaches that support CUxS operational needs
• Direct and review software development, integration, test, and deployment activities to ensure quality, reliability, and compliance with established standards
• Provide technical leadership and oversight of software team work products, including code, documentation, and test artifacts
• Evaluate software maintainability, configuration management, and adherence to user and department standards throughout the software lifecycle
• Lead the resolution of software discrepancies by analyzing defects against documented requirements and implementing corrective actions
• Generate and maintain software baseline documentation, including design artifacts, test documentation, and configuration records
• Assess vendor‑provided software solutions and provide technical recommendations to support program decision‑making
• Collaborate with systems and hardware engineering teams to ensure effective integration of software with scientific and engineering systems
• Plan and organize software projects, manage resources, and lead multiple efforts through defined development and test phases

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret Clearance
• 8+ years of experience
• Experience leading software activities across the full software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, test, and deployment
• Experience producing and maintaining software technical documentation and configuration‑managed baselines

• Experience supporting government or defense‑related engineering programs operating under structured Statements of Work and technical standards
• Experience integrating software with hardware systems, sensors, or complex engineering platforms
• Prior technical leadership experience directing software engineers across multiple concurrent efforts

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40 hours/week.

$130,000-$195,000. The salary range posted is based on the national average. The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate’s location, knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or experience, contract affordability, and in consideration of internal parity.

K  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.

K  offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K 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.