Lead AI Software Developer

Leidos LLC; United States; Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to help advance the Common Baseline in a hybrid cloud, data mesh architecture. You will design and implement microservices-based software in a SAFe environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, real-time air traffic solutions.

Prioritize security, DevSecOps, and AI-enabled capabilities while supporting government programs and a Public Trust clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• Hands-on experience building and supporting microservices-based systems
• Experience with APIs and distributed system concepts

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications using modern software engineering practices
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and engineers in an Agile/SAFe environment
• Participate in sprint planning, daily standups, reviews, and retrospectives
• Develop clean, maintainable, and testable code following CI/CD and DevSecOps practices
• Integrate services with databases, messaging systems, and external APIs
• Support troubleshooting, performance tuning, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with QA, DevOps, and platform teams to ensure reliable delivery
• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding and testing

Skills

Microservices

Programming languages

AI/ML-enabled systems

Agile/SAFe

APIs & distributed systems

Public Trust eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Kafka

Docker/Kubernetes

Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Baseline. Common Baseline is a mission-critical, future-ready automation solution built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture. 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 and AI-enabled 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 microservices-based applications within an Agile/SAFe environment. Experience with AI-enabled or data-driven systems is advantageous. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home, if you are located within a commutable distance (Less than 1 hour's drive one-way during normal traffic) from Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Egg Harbor Township, NJ. However, if you do not reside within a commutable distance, you may be considered for a 100% remote role. This role focuses on building and modernizing real-time, safety-critical systems using a combination of traditional systems engineering and AI-augmented software development practices. You’ll work on software that directly supports national air traffic operations, applying AI tools to accelerate development, improve quality, and enhance system reliability.

What You’ll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications using modern software engineering best practices
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and engineers in an Agile/SAFe environment
• Participate in sprint planning, daily standups, reviews, and retrospectives
• Collaborate with systems engineering and program teams to translate requirements into working software solutions
• Develop clean, maintainable, and testable code following CI/CD and DevSecOps practices
• Contribute to system design discussions and technical decision-making
• Integrate services with databases, messaging systems, and external APIs
• Support troubleshooting, performance tuning, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with QA, DevOps, and platform teams to ensure reliable delivery
• Implement modern automated testing strategies, including unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end testing
• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and test creation

Core Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience in lieu of degree)
• 4+ years of relevant experience or a Master’s Degree and 2+ years of relevant experience
• Hands‑on experience building and supporting microservices-based systems
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C++, or similar on a Linux-based system)
• Experience or exposure to AI/ML-enabled systems (Claude-Code), automation, or intelligent platforms
• Experience working in Agile environments
• Understanding of APIs and distributed system concepts
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust U.S. citizenship required
• Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)
• Experience working with relational and/or NoSQL databases
• Hands‑on experience with Kafka or other event‑streaming technologies
• Cloud experience (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• Containerization and orchestration experience (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience working in DevSecOps environments
• Experience with test automation frameworks and integration of automated test suites into CI/CD pipelines
• Desired but not required: Commutable distance to Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Egg Harbor Township, NJ.

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.

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.

Original Posting: July 31, 2026 For 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.

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.

Pay Range: Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary.

• Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

More details are available here.

Commitment and Diversity

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.