Lead Software Developer

Leidos; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Lead Software Developer in Ashburn, Virginia, to join the Air Traffic Business Area. This role focuses on developing next-generation flight service and air traffic systems in alignment with the FAA's modernization initiative. Candidates should have significant experience with Java and React, and be familiar with Agile environments.

You will design and implement containerized applications while collaborating with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree and U.S. citizenship are required.

Qualifications

• 4–8 years of software development experience with a Bachelor's degree, or 2–6 years with a Master's.
• Significant experience in Java, React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Proficient in unit testing and RESTful APIs.

Responsibilities

• Develop software and maintain source code in an Agile environment.
• Participate in daily stand-ups and release planning.
• Write and execute tests for software applications.

Skills

Java

React

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

JUnit

Mockito

RESTful APIs

Linux

Agile

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Git

Cloud-based systems

Python

MongoDB

Job description

About the Role

Leidos is seeking Lead 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. The work aligns with the FAA’s modernizing initiative to replace legacy flight service capabilities with scalable, cloud‑based platforms designed to improve safety and operational efficiency, especially in remote and high‑dependency aviation environments.

As part of a Scaled Agile (SAFe) software development organization, you will design and implement containerized applications and work closely with cross‑functional teams and technical leaders. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust investigation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop software individually and as part of a team, including writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source code within an Agile environment.
• Develop solutions to complex issues.
• Actively participate in daily stand‑ups, release planning, and other team activities.
• Write and execute unit, integration, and functional tests.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in lab and operational environments.
• Provide support as needed for system engineering, test engineering, and system owner teams.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 4–8 years of experience, or Master’s degree with 2–6 years of experience.
• Significant experience with Java, React, and front‑end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Experience with unit testing (JUnit, Mockito), RESTful APIs, JSON, XML, XSD.
• Experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, Spring Boot.
• Experience with Linux, Git or Subversion.
• Experience with cloud‑based systems.
• Experience with AI‑assisted software development workflows (e.g., Claude Code, Codex).
• Experience with Agile environments.
• Understanding of sound software development principles and practices.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and communicate effectively.
• Independent thinker capable of high‑quality work both independently and with a team.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agile/SAFe practices.
• Python programming, Ansible, YAML, Linux shell scripting.
• DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines.
• MongoDB.
• Knowledge of air traffic control and flight services.

Security Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation (SF‑85).

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, disability, 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 consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.