Leidos is seeking Principal Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems. This work aligns with the FAA’s broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities, replacing aging infrastructure with scalable, cloud-based platforms designed to improve safety and operational efficiency—particularly in remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.
**Please note, this exciting opportunity is currently unfunded and is anticipation of future work.
As a member of a Scaled Agile software development organization, you will contribute to the technical execution of a program that integrates proven, globally deployed technologies with modern cloud-native capabilities. You will work alongside cross-functional teams and technical leaders to deliver predictable outcomes in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.
In this position, you will design and implement software solutions independently while working closely with systems engineering, product delivery, and DevSecOps teams. The primary focus is on developing containerized applications within an Agile/SAFe environment. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.
Primary Responsibilities
- Responsible for software development activities both individually and as a member of a team including writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source code within an Agile environment. Work to achieve key project/program objectives.
- Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and test creation.
- Develop solutions to highly complex issues and problems that impact multiple areas of disciplines.
- Actively participate in Agile scrum ceremonies and other related team activities.
- Write and execute unit and functional tests.
- Troubleshoot and participate in the resolution of technical issues in lab and operational environments.
- Provide support as needed for system engineering, test engineering, and system owner teams.
- Ability to communicate with executive leadership (internally or client) regarding matters of significant importance to the organization/project.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 12-15 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 10-13 years of experience. May also possess a Doctorate.
- In-depth knowledge of Java with substantial hands-on programming experience
- In-depth experience with Web development and commonly used front-end tools and languages (React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Extensive experience with unit testing tools such as Junit and Mockito
- Significant experience with RESTful API, JSON, XML, XSD
- Significant experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, and Spring Boot
- Significant experience with Linux
- Significant experience with version control systems such as Git or Subversion
- Experience with common development tools and IDEs (Eclipse, VS Code, etc.)
- Experience working within the Agile Scrum framework
- Understanding of sound software development principles and practices
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
- Capable of leading and managing work of other technical staff that has significant impact on project results and outputs
- Ability to obtain SF-85 Public Trust (Tier 2) suitability determination
- US citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AI-assisted coding (Claude Code, Codex etc.)
- Experience with microservices and cloud-based environments
- Knowledge of or experience with Python programming language
- Knowledge of or experience with Ansible playbooks and YAML
- Knowledge of or experience with Linux shell scripting
- Knowledge of or experience with MongoDB
- Knowledge of air traffic control and flight services
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:April 30, 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 or a related field with 12-15 years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 10-13 years of experience
- In-depth knowledge of Java with substantial hands-on programming experience
- In-depth experience with Web development using React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Extensive experience with unit testing tools such as Junit and Mockito
- Significant experience with RESTful API, JSON, XML, XSD
- Significant experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, and Spring Boot
- Significant experience with Linux
- Significant experience with version control systems like Git or Subversion
- Experience working within the Agile Scrum framework
- US citizenship
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.
