Lead Software Engineer, AI-Driven Defense Systems

Leidos; Huntsville (TN); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive the development of AI-assisted software for counter-UAS and missile defense in Huntsville, AL. You will lead the team, set technical direction, and ensure quality through modern practices in a Linux environment.

The ideal candidate has strong C++ and Python skills, hands-on AI tooling experience, and a background in SAFe/agile development. This role emphasizes secure, scalable software and collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline with 12+ years of software dev experience (or Master’s 10 years / PhD 7 years).
• Recent hands-on experience building real software with agentic AI coding assistants and AI-assisted workflows.
• Experience coaching and leading a software team as a technical lead.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience in Linux, full software lifecycle, peer reviews, automated testing, and CI/CD.
• Experience with Agile/SAFe environments and tools like Jira and GitLab.
• Ability to adapt AI-assisted workflows to secure, restricted environments.
• Willing to relocate to Huntsville, AL or already reside there; U.S. Citizen with ability to obtain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead and design authority for the IFPC Agentic AI software development team.
• Champion agentic AI-assisted software development, establishing workflows, tooling, and guardrails.
• Coach engineers in AI coding practices, pair programming, reviews, and playbooks to boost productivity.
• Adapt AI practices to secure, air-gapped environments and obtain approvals for tooling.
• Develop production software in C++ and Python for counter-UAS and missile defense systems.
• Develop within SAFe using Jira and GitLab; enforce coding standards and produce reusable code.
• Debug in HWIL and SWIL setups and ensure quality through tests and reviews.
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, test, and cybersecurity teams and align with leadership.

Skills

C++

Python

Linux

SAFe/Agile

Jira

GitLab

CI/CD

AI-assisted coding

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Jira

GitLab

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive the development of AI-assisted software for counter-UAS and missile defense in Huntsville, AL. You will lead the team, set technical direction, and ensure quality through modern practices in a Linux environment.

The ideal candidate has strong C++ and Python skills, hands-on AI tooling experience, and a background in SAFe/agile development. This role emphasizes secure, scalable software and collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines.