Java Developer (SME)

Leidos; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 154,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Bethesda, MD seeks a highly accomplished Java Developer (SME) to provide expert DevOps-backed engineering for mission-critical data tools and ETL into an enterprise Data Lake. You will design, develop, and test backend microservices with Java/Spring, mentor peers, and work within Agile teams to meet customer use cases in a national security context.

Based in Bethesda, you will shape backend architecture, contribute to code reviews, and leverage AWS cloud services and DevOps tools to

Qualifications

• Master's degree with 15+ years of relevant experience, or Doctorate with 13+ years.
• Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance.
• Strong Java and Spring Framework expertise for microservices and REST APIs.
• Cloud experience with AWS, GCP, Azure and data services like S3, RDS.

Responsibilities

• Backend development of high-performance microservices using Java/Spring.
• Provide technical leadership, architecture guidance, and code reviews.
• Develop tests with JUnit and automate validation and deployment.
• Prototype and deploy solutions in a cloud-based platform (AWS, etc.).
• Analyze infrastructure needs and coordinate with DevOps for deployments.
• Collaborate in an Agile SAFe framework with Product Owners and Scrum Masters.
• Document software development activities and manage build artifacts with GitFlow.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practices across teams.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

REST APIs

Agile

DevOps

Unit Testing

Python

Bash

Education

Master's degree with 15+ years

Tools

GitHub

Jenkins

Katalon

Job description

Description

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Java Developer (SME) to join our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area in Bethesda, Maryland. Our talented team is at the forefront of Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management, delivering innovative solutions that support critical national security missions.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned technical professional to apply advanced software engineering expertise, influence technical direction, and help deliver sophisticated capabilities that directly support the Intelligence Community.

Beyond the opportunity to make a meaningful mission impact, Bethesda, Maryland, offers an outstanding place to build your career and enjoy life outside of work. Located just outside Washington, D.C., Bethesda combines proximity to the nation's leading defense, intelligence, and technology organizations with vibrant neighborhoods, highly regarded schools, excellent dining and entertainment, beautiful parks, and convenient access to the greater National Capital Region.

At Leidos, we recognize the value of our employees and offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid holidays, a 401(k) with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, flexible schedules, discounted stock purchase plans, technical upskilling, education and training support, paid parental leave, and much more.

Join Leidos and put your technical expertise and leadership to work supporting missions that make a difference in National Securit

y!

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly accomplished Java Developer (SME) to provide expert-level Agile DevOps support for mission-critical systems. In this role, you will apply your technical expertise to the design, development, implementation, and testing of customer tools and applications that support the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data into an enterprise Data Lake.

Working within a DevOps framework, you will participate in and direct major project deliverables throughout the software development lifecycle, including scope definition and work estimation, architecture and design, coding, and unit testing. You will also develop custom code and scripts to rapidly extract, triage, and exploit data across multiple domains and data stores.

This position offers the opportunity to shape backend architecture, mentor fellow developers, and influence technical solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary Agile teams to address complex customer requirements. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, you'll be part of the National Capital Region's thriving defense and intelligence technology community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Backend Development: Design, develop, test, and maintain high-performance, scalable backend microservices using Java and the Spring Framework to meet customer information technology needs.
• Technical Leadership and Architecture: Participate in and direct software programming initiatives, shape backend architecture, mentor team members, and conduct code reviews.
• Testing and Automation: Develop and direct software system validation and testing methods using JUnit and Katalon, leveraging integrated, custom-developed software solutions to support automated deployment technologies.
• Cloud-Based Development: Develop, prototype, and deploy solutions within a cloud-based platform, leveraging available platform services.
• Infrastructure Analysis and Coordination: Analyze infrastructure requirements through proof-of-concept development, performance testing, and end-to-end testing, and effectively coordinate infrastructure needs driven by developed software to meet customer mission requirements.
• Agile Collaboration: Support the Agile software development lifecycle following Program SAFe practices, coordinating closely with team members, Product Owners, and Scrum Masters to ensure User Story alignment and implementation in accordance with customer use cases.
• DevOps and Configuration Management: Document and perform systems software development activities, including deploying build artifacts across different environments using GitFlow constructs and industry-leading DevOps tools such as GitHub, Jenkins, and scripting languages (e.g., Python and Bash).
• Continuous Improvement: Apply and identify software development best practices and standard operating procedures to create innovative solutions that address customers' technical needs.

Required Skills, Education, and Experience

• Extensive experience utilizing common Agile practices, working in service-oriented environments, and applying established software development practices.
• Extensive experience with Java and the Spring Framework, microservices architecture and design patterns, implementing RESTful APIs, and integrating with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Extensive experience developing software that interfaces with data technologies, including Elasticsearch, Postgres, DynamoDB, Kafka, AWS SQS/SNS, AWS Lambda, and AWS S3.
• Extensive experience integrating with and delivering software solutions within DevOps toolsets and practices.
• Direct experience utilizing software testing and performance tools, such as JUnit, and scripting languages, including Python and Bash, within an Agile development environment.
• Extensive experience developing solutions in commercial cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and leveraging cloud data services (e.g., S3, RDS, EFS).
• Extensive experience utilizing version control systems and issue/problem tracking systems.
• Education and Experience: Master's degree with 15 or more years of prior relevant experience, or a Doctorate with 13 or more years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Security Clearance: Must possess an active TS/SCI with polygraph security clearance to be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAFe development practices.

Original Posting

October 27, 2026

Pay Range

$154,050.00 - $278,475.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.