Software Engineer

KBR
Lexington, Massachusetts, United StatesFull-time$156,400–$180,000Posted Sep 18, 2026

About the role

Title

Software Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR provides innovative and cost-effective services and solutions to national security and industry customers. We are leading the way for national security and commercial space integration, developing innovative solutions to tomorrow's challenges today. This position supports the Strategic and Long-Range Communications Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.

We are seeking a Software Engineer to contribute to the design, development, implementation, and testing of software for a series of large-scale communications system demonstrations. Work will be performed in a disciplined collaborative environment, employing modern programming practices. Hybrid and remote positions are possible for this position. These services shall be provided in support of several Laboratory and Government test sites.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Projects: Enable critically important communications over vast distances by being the team member to innovate and overcome technical challenges as we spearhead new solutions through advanced prototyping.

Collaborative Environment: Come join a team of enthusiastic engineers engaged in creating the next generation of cutting-edge laser communication systems technology.

Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense and/or defense.

Key Responsibilities

Software architecture definition

System software design and implementation (primarily in C++). This will include protocol and state machine design alongside system designers to translate prototype simulations into real-time code

Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to design and prototype communications-based software

Integration, test design, and support from lab and field experiments

Aid in preparing technical documentation for software architectures and code, including technical specifications, reports, and technical presentations for multiple internal and external audiences

Work Environment

Location: On-site with the possibility of a remote arrangement

Travel Requirements: Willing and able to travel (up to 10%, typically CONUS)

Working Hours: Standard

Required Qualifications

Active DoD Secret clearance

M.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science (or related field) with a strong background in real-time code development and code profiling. In lieu of an M.S. a B. Sci with 6+ years of directly relevant experience is acceptable

At least 5 years of C++/C++11 experience

At least 5 years of Java/Java Script experience

At least 5 years of Source Control (Git/SVN/Clearcase/etc.) experience

At least 5 years of object-oriented development

At least 5 years of software modelling and the Unified Modelling Language (UML) experience

A minimum of 5 years of experience in software deployment and a knowledge of modern software deployment techniques

A minimum of 5 years of experience in software DevSecOps

A minimum of 5 years of experience with software algorithm development and performance improvements

A minimum of 5 years of experience with design patterns and data structures

A minimum of 5 years of experience with distributed systems and inter process communication (UDP/TCP/ActiveMQ/etc.)

A minimum of 5 years of experience with the Linux development environment and/or commercial real-time operating systems

A minimum of 5 years of experience with hardware abstraction layers

A minimum of 5 years of experience with software lifecycle processes

Highly effective written and verbal communication skills especially applied to writing technical documents

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams

Desired Qualifications

A minimum of 2-3 years’ experience with digital signal processing and implementation of protocols and methods into software

Familiarity with software-defined radio protocols, design, and implementations

Familiarity with physical layer, MAC layer, and network layer communication protocols

Proficiency in Python

Demonstrate familiarity with MATLAB

Demonstrated ability to plan and manage tasks and projects (e.g. using Microsoft Project)

Basic Compensation

For MA only, the salary range is approximately $156,400 - $180,000 USD annually. 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 at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

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.

R2128727

Responsibilities

  • Software architecture definition
  • System software design and implementation primarily in C++
  • Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to design and prototype communications-based software
  • Integration, test design, and support from lab and field experiments
  • Aid in preparing technical documentation for software architectures and code

Qualifications

  • Active DoD Secret clearance
  • M.S. in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related field, or B.S. with 6+ years of relevant experience
  • At least 5 years of C++/C++11 experience
  • At least 5 years of Java/Java Script experience
  • At least 5 years of Source Control experience
  • At least 5 years of object-oriented development experience
  • At least 5 years of software modelling and UML experience
  • At least 5 years of experience in software deployment

Skills mentioned

C++JavaJavaScriptGitSystem DesignDistributed SystemsLinuxReal-Time Operating SystemsPerformance OptimizationSoftware Testing

About KBR

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions that are helping governments and companies around the world take on the great challenges of our time. In short — We do things that matter.

IT Services and IT Consulting10,001+ employeesHouston, TX

H-1B sponsorship history

Historical employer filing data was found for KBR. The employer record includes 77 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.