Leidos is seeking a Principal AI Software Developer based in Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Egg Harbor, NJ to support the UK National Airspace System Replacement Product Delivery Team (UK NASR PDT)
This role offers the opportunity to work on real-time, safety-critical systems that directly support national air traffic operations for the United Kingdom. You will help modernize a high-availability air traffic management platform using both traditional systems engineering practices and AI-augmented software development techniques.
This is a hybrid schedule with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote.
What You’ll Do
Design, develop, test, and maintain software for real-time, high-availability systems
Apply AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and automated test generation
Use AI responsibly across the full SDLC — including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, and code review
Analyze complex system requirements and translate them into efficient, maintainable designs
Develop and maintain automation scripts across development, test, and production environments
Promote code quality, reuse, traceability, and cross-team collaboration
Required Qualifications
AI-Driven Engineering Experience
We are specifically seeking engineers who actively integrate AI into their daily development workflow.
Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar) for:
Code generation and refactoring
Debugging and automated test creation
IDE-integrated workflows
Familiarity with large language model platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, etc.)
Experience designing effective prompts and validating AI-generated output
Understanding of human-in-the-loop development and responsible AI usage
Ability to evaluate AI-generated outputs for correctness, performance, safety, and bias — especially in regulated or safety-critical environments
Experience incorporating AI/ML techniques into software engineering workflows
Experience with automated testing frameworks
Core Technical Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
Strong object-oriented programming experience
Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Ada (Ada preferred but not required)
Experience developing real-time, multi-threaded systems
Familiarity with Linux (Red Hat), virtual machines, and hypervisors
Experience with low-level communications protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, SCTP)
Experience with hardware or complex system integration
Experience with source control and configuration management tools
Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
US citizenship required
Why Leidos
You’ll work on systems where performance, precision, and reliability matter — every second. This is not experimental AI for prototypes. This is disciplined, responsible AI applied to mission-critical software that supports national infrastructure.
If you’re excited by solving complex problems in regulated, real-world environments — and using AI as a force multiplier rather than a shortcut — we’d like to talk.
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:March 31, 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
- 12+ years of relevant experience or 10+ years with a Master's degree
- Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding tools
- Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Ada
- Experience with automated testing frameworks
- Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust clearance
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.
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