Lead Software Engineer - AI-Driven Defense Systems

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive AI-assisted software development for counter-UAS and missile defense systems. You will lead a team, set technical direction, and mentor engineers in a secure, Linux-based SAFe environment.

The role requires hands-on experience in C++ and Python, plus proficiency with Jira and GitLab. A strong background in modern AI tooling and secure development is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of professional software development experience (or 10+ with a Master’s or 7+ with a PhD).
• Hands-on experience with agentic AI coding assistants and AI-assisted development workflows.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead and design authority for the IFPC Agentic AI software team.
• Champion agentic AI-assisted software development across the team with workflows and tooling.
• Coach engineers in the responsible use of AI coding assistants through pairing and reviews.
• Adapt AI practices to secure, restricted, or air-gapped environments.
• Develop production software in C++ and Python in Linux for counter-UAS and missile defense.
• Work in a SAFe environment using Jira and GitLab; enforce CI/CD and code quality.

Skills

C++

Python

Technical leadership

AI-assisted dev

Mentorship

CI/CD

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE/CE/EE

Tools

Jira

GitLab

Linux

Job description

Leidos in Huntsville, AL is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive AI-assisted software development for counter-UAS and missile defense systems. You will lead a team, set technical direction, and mentor engineers in a secure, Linux-based SAFe environment.

The role requires hands-on experience in C++ and Python, plus proficiency with Jira and GitLab. A strong background in modern AI tooling and secure development is essential.