Leidos is seeking an Associate Software Developer to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L-CAP). L-CAP is a mission-critical, future-ready automation platform built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture, enabling next-generation air traffic management capabilities. We are building with an AI-first engineering mindset, embracing emerging AI capabilities and modern development practices to accelerate delivery, improve software quality, and continuously evolve how we design and build mission-critical systems. This role operates within a SAFe/Agile framework as part of an Agile Release Train (ART) delivering iterative value across the program. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.
This role is part of a growing program, and hiring will depend on available funding. We review applications on a rolling basis, but the timeline for interviews and offers may vary. In some cases, we may extend contingent offers that become active once funding is confirmed.
This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD; Egg Harbor Township, NJ; or Eagan, MN. This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that impact millions of air travelers.
This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days remote work. Candidates should reside a commutable distance to one of the above locations.
What You’ll Do
Develop microservices under the guidance of senior developers, contributing to L-CAP platform capabilities
Write unit tests and participate in test-driven development practices to ensure code quality
Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to improve team output
Engage in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and PI planning
Utilize CI/CD pipelines to build, test, and deploy software in a continuous delivery environment
Integrate with RESTful APIs and event-driven messaging systems within the data mesh architecture
Collaborate with cross-functional team members including testers, systems engineers, and DevOps
Learn and navigate large, complex codebases spanning multiple services and repositories
Document code, design decisions, and technical approaches for team knowledge sharing
Support troubleshooting and debugging of issues identified during integration and testing phases
Develop and maintain services within distributed microservice architectures following established patterns and interface contracts
Write comprehensive automated tests including unit, integration, and contract tests for distributed service components
Gain understanding of legacy ATC system functionality to support accurate modernization into new service implementations
Leverage AI-assisted development tools and modern engineering practices to improve personal productivity, code quality, and accelerate learning within the team.
Core Technical Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical discipline with 0–2 years of experience (or equivalent experience in lieu of education)
Proficiency in at least one: Java / C++
Understanding of object-oriented programming and software design principles
Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies
Experience with version control systems (Git)
Basic understanding of microservices architecture concepts
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Willingness to learn new technologies, frameworks, and domain-specific concepts
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust
U.S. citizenship required
Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer
Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer
Foundational knowledge of distributed systems concepts and microservice architecture patterns
Experience writing automated tests (unit, integration) in continuous integration environments
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
Exposure to containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)
Python Development
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure)
Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)
Coursework or projects involving distributed systems or event-driven architectures
Knowledge of SQL and/or NoSQL databases
Experience with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., code generation, automated testing, intelligent debugging)
Exposure to legacy system modernization or migration projects
Interest in aviation systems or safety-critical software development
Why Leidos
You’ll contribute to software systems where reliability, performance, and precision are essential. This is an opportunity to work on mission-critical infrastructure supporting national airspace operations — collaborating with experienced engineers to modernize complex, real-world systems.
If you are motivated by solving technically challenging problems in regulated, operational environments, we encourage you to apply.
ATMC
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:September 2, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience
- 0-2 years of software development experience
- Proficiency in Java or C++
- Understanding of object-oriented programming and software design principles
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development methodologies
- Experience with Git or other version control systems
- Basic understanding of microservices architecture concepts
- Foundational knowledge of distributed systems and microservice architecture patterns
- Experience writing automated unit and integration tests in continuous integration environments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Willingness to learn new technologies, frameworks, and domain-specific concepts
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust
- U.S. citizenship
- Successful completion of government-required background investigations
- Exposure to Docker or Kubernetes
- Python development experience
- Familiarity with AWS or Azure
- Experience with Jenkins, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions
- Coursework or projects involving distributed systems or event-driven architectures
- Knowledge of SQL or NoSQL databases
- Experience with AI-assisted development tools
- Exposure to legacy system modernization or migration projects
- Interest in aviation systems or safety-critical software development
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
Leidos Insights
What We Do
We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
