Principal Software Architect

Leidos Inc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Leidos Inc is seeking a Principal Software Architect for the Air Traffic Business Area in Gaithersburg, MD. This hybrid position requires 3 days onsite and 2 days remote. You'll play a key role in shaping air traffic automation capabilities, driving system architecture for scalability, and leading software design across platforms.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in software development, architectural leadership, and a strong grasp of cloud technologies. Comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary based on experience will be provided.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software development experience, with 3+ years in an architectural role.
• Strong experience with distributed systems, APIs, and cloud platforms.
• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive overall system architecture for scalability and reliability.
• Lead design of complex software systems across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with teams to translate business requirements into solutions.

Skills

Distributed systems

APIs

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Java

C#

Python

Go

Microservices

DevOps practices

CI/CD pipelines

Docker

Kubernetes

System design principles

Security best practices

Stakeholder management

Public Trust eligibility

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Job Overview

Leidos is seeking a Principal Software Architect to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L‑CAP) and Common Baseline. L‑CAP is a mission‑critical, future‑ready automation solution built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture. As a member of a large‑scale, Scaled Agile software development organization, you will play a central role in shaping next‑generation air traffic automation capabilities by bridging mission needs, systems engineering rigor, and Agile software delivery.

Location and Work Arrangement

This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD or Egg Harbor Township, NJ. It is a hybrid role requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the overall system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Lead the design of complex software systems across multiple platforms (cloud, distributed systems, microservices).
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and leadership teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Establish architectural standards, best practices, and governance processes.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior and mid‑level engineers.
• Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
• Ensure system security, compliance, and data integrity across platforms.
• Drive modernization initiatives such as cloud migration and microservices adoption.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high‑impact technical issues.

Core Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent years of experience.
• 12+ years of software development experience (or 10+ years with a Master's degree), with 3+ years in an architectural role.
• Strong experience with distributed systems, APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, Go).
• Experience designing microservices and event‑driven architectures.
• Deep understanding of system design principles, patterns, and trade‑offs.
• Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong knowledge of security best practices and compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• 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 in large‑scale enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with domain‑driven design (DDD).
• Experience with data architecture (SQL/NoSQL, data pipelines).
• Certifications in cloud platforms or architecture frameworks (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect).
• Exposure to AI/ML systems or modern data platforms.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $131,300.00 – $237,350.00. The Pay Range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, market data, and applicable agreements. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement.

Commitment to Non‑Discrimination

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.