Network Software Engineer Lead

Leidos LLC; Illinois; On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Network Software Engineer Lead in the Scott AFB, IL area. You will lead the design, development, and release of software for the Cisco NSO platform, integrating with Cisco/Juniper routers and supporting a DoD WAN.

The role combines software engineering with network engineering in a fast-paced, technically challenging environment. You'll mentor engineers, manage risk, and collaborate with management to deliver contract capabilities.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret or higher clearance/IA equivalent required.
• 8–12 years of relevant experience with BS, or 6–10 years with MS; Doctorate optional.
• Proficient Python development including REST APIs and JSON handling.
• Experience with Linux environments and distributed version control (Git/Bitbucket).
• Networking: BGP/IS-IS/OSPF or static routing in carrier/ISP-like networks.
• Experience with Cisco/Juniper devices and SDN concepts, NSO familiarity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, testing, and release of Python/XML-based software for NSO.
• Integrate software with Cisco ASR9K, Juniper MX routers and network devices.
• Plan and execute network changes, sustainment, and performance in WAN environments.
• Mitigate risks, control costs, and manage large-scale, multi-team projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide SME guidance across the team.

Skills

Python

REST API

Git

Linux

IP routing

Cisco/Juniper networking

Software engineering principles

Education

BS degree in a technical field

Tools

NSO platform

Git

Bitbucket

Job description

Leidos’ Digital Sector/Global Solutions Management-Operations II (GSMO-II) contract has an opening for a Network Software Engineer Lead located in the Scott AFB, IL area. The Software Engineer Lead will be the primary systems manager for the release and deployment of new software tools using the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform, Python, and other software languages to sustain and manage a Carrier-class Wide Area Network supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will offer the candidate an opportunity to engage in network engineering using knowledge of routing and system fundamentals in an ISP level network environment. This position is ideal for a networking professional with software development experience looking to expand their level of responsibility and showcase their skills in a fast paced and technically challenging role.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, documentation, testing and release of software written in Python, XML, and other languages for use with the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform.
• Integrate software with network devices, including Cisco ASR9K and Juniper MX series routers.
• Perform engineering tasks related to the design, implementation, and integration of network changes and sustainment of customer systems in a Wide Area Network environment.
• Conduct planning and performance of analytical research, design development, and other tasks to align with customer specifications.
• Ensure efficient delivery of contract capabilities using industry standards and repeatable processes.
• Mitigate risks, control costs and schedule variance, and effectively manage large scale, integrated projects.
• Direct and perform a variety of analytical tasks which include hardware and software design and implementation.
• Proactively and independently identify, report, monitor, and mitigate technical risks.
• Provide guidance to lower-level engineers when they identify risks or issues.
• Frequently communicate and collaborate with other team members and upper management to ensure successful completion of project objectives.
• Mentor and act as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) resource for lower-level engineers.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently possess an active DoD Secret clearance or higher Currently possess DoD 8750 certification at IAT level II, Security+ CE or equivalent to meet requirement.
• Python software development experience that includes REST api development, as well as the parsing, generation and validation of JSON.
• Experience with distributed version control software such as Git and Bitbucket.
• Experience developing software on a Linux platform.
• Experience troubleshooting and configuring IP networks using at least one of the following routing methods: BGP, ISIS, OSPF, and/or Static routing.
• Experience with either service provider or enterprise IP networks using an interface on Cisco (ESR and ASR) and/or Juniper routers.
• Strong communication skills that enable proactive and effective collaboration with a team.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts of Software Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in Juniper and Cisco configuration, troubleshooting, and design.
• Experience with Cisco IOS XR, JUNOS, and Cisco IOS codes.
• Network configuration experience, specifically with Juniper or Cisco routers, to include protocols such as BGP, MPLS, VPLS, Pseudowires and QoS.
• Certifications with major network system vendors such as Cisco are a strong plus Experience developing XML and/or object-oriented programming.
• Experience developing software using SDN modeling languages and protocols such as YANG, NETCONF and RESTCONF.
• Full software lifecycle experience (design, development, test, deployment), including deployment to a production environment.
• Experience developing software including the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Experience creating software design artifacts, including the creation of functional, technical, and architectural design documentation as well as test cases and installation, deployment and configuration documentation.
• Software Defined Networking experience, particularly experience with Cisco NSO.
• Possessing project, technical, interpersonal, presentation and problem management skills.

Required Education and Experience

• Requires BS degree and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.
• May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.

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.

Original Posting: July 23, 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 Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.

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 $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. 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 here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

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.