Software Architect

Title:

Belong. 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 (formerly LinQuest) is the prime contractor on the MSEIT contract. By applying to this position, you are in consideration for KBR employment. However, you also have the option to be hired by one of our subcontractor teammates.

KBR is seeking a Software Architect to join our team in El Segundo, CA or Colorado Springs, CO.

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.

The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the US Space Force’s Space Systems Center (SSC). We support the Space Force’s acquisition of state-of-the-art satellite communications systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation’s warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: KBR’s work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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

Work Environment:

Location: On-site

Travel Requirements: Minimal

Working Hours: Standard

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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 GitOps, secure system design, supply‑chain security, and air‑gapped environments
• Strong understanding of DevSecOps 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, TypeScript, 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)

Desired:

• 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 DevSecOps 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.

Ready to Make a Difference? 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.

KBR Benefits 

KBR 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.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At 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.