Join a team that is modernizing the future of air traffic management while supporting one of the nation’s most critical missions. In this role, you’ll contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system, helping deliver NextGen capabilities that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System. Beyond software development, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work directly with FAA customers at airport locations across the country, supporting system deployments and seeing firsthand how your work enables mission success. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, collaborating with customers, and making a tangible impact in operational environments, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your career while supporting a program of national importance.
Leidos is looking for a Software Developer focusing on System Management supporting our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of next-generation air traffic management systems. Your expertise will directly contribute to the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), helping deliver technology that improves the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations at airports nationwide.
TFDM is the surface management solution that will provide NextGen Air Traffic Control capabilities to improve air traffic operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). The TFDM program is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) NextGen initiative focused on airport surface management, delivering a comprehensive integrated surface traffic control and management system that enhances efficiency for both airport surface operations and terminal airspace. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Location: This position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD office with a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working remotely.
Travel: Up to 50% travel is required for this role and is one of its most exciting aspects. You'll have the opportunity to travel to FAA airport locations across the United States, working side-by-side with customers and field teams as the TFDM system is deployed to 89 airports nationwide. This hands-on experience provides a unique chance to see your work come to life in operational environments, collaborate directly with FAA personnel, and gain firsthand insight into the technology that supports the nation's air traffic system. Travel is typically 1–2 weeks per trip, offering a rewarding balance of customer engagement, real-world system implementation, and technical problem solving.
Technical Skills (Required)
Core Technologies:
- Ansible - Deep experience with playbooks, roles, custom plugins, callbacks, and inventory systems
- Python - Strong scripting, automation, and tool development
- Bash/Shell scripting - Complex build orchestration and system automation
- Linux system administration – Red Hat Enterprise Linux, package management, integration of Linux technologies, etc. Demands strong foundational Linux administration and management of the full lifecycle of systems from bare metal to operational deployment across multiple environments.
- Container technology - Podman/Docker, container builds, orchestration
Infrastructure & DevOps:
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices
- Configuration management at scale
- CI/CD and build automation
- Release management and versioning
- Git workflows and collaboration
Systems Knowledge:
- Network configuration (VLANs, IP schemes, switch configs)
- Physical hardware provisioning (PXE boot, kickstart)
- Virtual machine lifecycle management (VMware and KVM)
- Multi-environment deployment (dev/test/prod/lab)
- Package ecosystem management (RPM, pip, Ansible Galaxy)
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
4+ years of proven experience in Software Engineering
Technical Skills (Highly Desirable)
- Ansible best practices
- YAML templating and variable hierarchies
- Ansible vault and secrets management
- Multi-site infrastructure coordination
- Custom Ansible plugin development
- AI assisted development
Domain Experience
- Enterprise infrastructure management
- Mission-critical system deployment
- Multi-processor-type system architectures
- Air-gapped or classified environments
Qualities & Soft Skills
Systems Thinking:
- Understand complex interdependencies (200+ Ansible roles, multiple processor types)
- Trace issues across numerous environment configurations
- See how changes ripple through the architecture
Systematic & Methodical:
- Follow documented workflows (TCM verification, CAS validation)
- Test thoroughly before deployment
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Debug across multiple abstraction layers
- Work within constraints of existing architecture
Collaboration:
- Work with established patterns rather than reinventing
- Coordinate across multiple sites and environments
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:July 7, 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
- Deep experience with Ansible (playbooks, roles, custom plugins, callbacks, inventory systems)
- Strong Python scripting, automation, and tool development
- Bash/Shell scripting for complex build orchestration and automation
- Linux system administration (Red Hat Enterprise Linux, full lifecycle system management)
- Container technology experience (Podman/Docker, container builds, orchestration)
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices and configuration management at scale
- CI/CD and build automation experience
- Release management, versioning, and Git workflows
- Network configuration knowledge (VLANs, IP schemes, switch configs)
- Physical hardware provisioning experience (PXE boot, kickstart)
- Virtual machine lifecycle management (VMware and KVM)
- Package ecosystem management (RPM, pip, Ansible Galaxy)
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field
- 4+ years proven experience in Software Engineering
- Ability to travel up to 50% to FAA airport locations
- Eligibility for government security investigation and access to classified information
- Ansible best practices, YAML templating, Ansible Vault, multi-site coordination (highly desirable)
- Custom Ansible plugin development and AI-assisted development (highly desirable)
- Domain experience: enterprise infrastructure management, mission-critical deployments, air-gapped or classified environments (listed as domain experience)
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.
