The Defense Systems Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Junior Software Specialist/Engineer to work in our Ridgecrest, Ca. office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience helping with the AEWTTR mission. In this mission we provide engineering support for design, modification, and maintenance of ground radar and associated devices for the Navy’s Aircrew Electronic Warfare (EW) training capability. Our organization designs, manufactures, integrates, and provides depot level support for a wide variety of EW threat simulation systems that are part of the training infrastructure that ensures our Navy Aircrews are the most effective.
As our next Junior Software Specialist/Engineer you will join a diverse team of junior-to-senior software developers, engineers, and scientists to help create unique solutions for complex problems. Our team solves important problems that make a difference and support our customers in the current and future defense of our nation. The ideal developer candidate will also demonstrate experience in and/or enthusiasm toward developing a broader technical capability to support overlapping engineering and scientific disciplines with a particular focus on writing software to solve problems. Candidate will be expected to support multiple tasks in parallel, productively contribute to a team environment, and communicate effectively to management, coworkers, and customers.
Primary Responsibilities
- Candidate can expect to work closely with a team of engineers and scientists using primarily C++ and Python to solve problems in a variety of disciplines
- Because the candidate may fill various project needs, an interest in working multiple programs with intermediate ability in C++ and Python is expected.
- Object-oriented design skills, the ability to create design documentation, requirements specifications, and other technical documentation.
- Candidate is also expected to have the ability to work and to communicate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and have familiarity with software development for both Windows and Linux OS.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in software engineering, computer science, or an equivalent engineering or science degree with 2+ years of relevant software development experience. Additional education, experience or training will be considered in lieu of degree.
- information systems design, development, and analysis encompassing one or more of the following areas of technical expertise: programming, PC application analysis, software development,
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DOD secret clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required).
- Intermediate ability with C++/Python and experience using version control systems such as Git.
- Prior experience with Engineering Software which includes, system designs, development. Programming PC applications, software Development and Systems Integration.
- Ability and willingness to work onsite in Ridgecrest California
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:June 22, 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 software engineering, computer science, or equivalent (or additional experience/education in lieu) with 2+ years relevant software development experience.
- Intermediate ability with C++ and Python.
- Experience using version control systems such as Git.
- Familiarity with software development for Windows and Linux operating systems.
- Object-oriented design skills and ability to create design documentation and requirements specifications.
- Experience with systems integration, PC application programming, and engineering software development.
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
- Ability and willingness to work onsite in Ridgecrest, California.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
