Principal Software Developer

Leidos; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 131,300 - 237,350; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking Principal Software Developers in Ashburn, Virginia, to support innovative air traffic solutions. You will develop scalable, cloud-based software while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a Scaled Agile environment. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or equivalent) and significant experience with Java, web development technologies, and Agile practices. A Public Trust clearance is required. The compensation ranges from $131,300 to $237,350, depending on experience. This role is essential for modernizing aviation services.

Qualifications

• 12-15 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 10-13 years.
• Substantial hands-on programming experience in Java.
• Experience working within an Agile Scrum framework.

Responsibilities

• Develop software solutions independently and as part of a team.
• Contribute to Agile Scrum ceremonies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in lab and operational environments.

Skills

Java programming

Web development

React

RESTful API

Agile Scrum

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Git

Eclipse

JUnit

Job description

Leidos is seeking Principal 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. This work aligns with the FAA’s broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities, replacing aging infrastructure with scalable, cloud-based platforms designed to improve safety and operational efficiency—particularly in remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide safety-critical flight services to the pilot community.

Please note, this exciting opportunity is currently unfunded and is anticipation of future work.

As a member of a Scaled Agile software development organization, you will contribute to the technical execution of a program that integrates proven, globally deployed technologies with modern cloud-native capabilities. You will work alongside cross-functional teams and technical leaders to deliver predictable outcomes in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment. In this position, you will design and implement software solutions independently while working closely with systems engineering, product delivery, and DevSecOps teams. The primary focus is on developing containerized applications within an Agile/SAFe environment. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for software development activities both individually and as a member of a team including writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source code within an Agile environment. Work to achieve key project/program objectives.
• Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and test creation.
• Develop solutions to highly complex issues and problems that impact multiple areas of disciplines.
• Actively participate in Agile scrum ceremonies and other related team activities.
• Write and execute unit and functional tests.
• Troubleshoot and participate in the resolution of technical issues in lab and operational environments.
• Provide support as needed for system engineering, test engineering, and system owner teams.
• Ability to communicate with executive leadership (internally or client) regarding matters of significant importance to the organization/project.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 12-15 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 10-13 years of experience. May also possess a Doctorate.
• In-depth knowledge of Java with substantial hands‑on programming experience
• In-depth experience with Web development and commonly used front‑end tools and languages (React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
• Extensive experience with unit testing tools such as Junit and Mockito
• Significant experience with RESTful API, JSON, XML, XSD
• Significant experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, and Spring Boot
• Significant experience with Linux
• Significant experience with version control systems such as Git or Subversion
• Experience with common development tools and IDEs (Eclipse, VS Code, etc.)
• Experience working within the Agile Scrum framework
• Understanding of sound software development principles and practices
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
• Capable of leading and managing work of other technical staff that has significant impact on project results and outputs
• Ability to obtain SF-85 Public Trust (Tier 2) suitability determination
• US citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI-assisted coding (Claude Code, Codex etc.)
• Experience with microservices and cloud-based environments
• Knowledge of or experience with Python programming language
• Knowledge of or experience with Ansible playbooks and YAML
• Knowledge of or experience with Linux shell scripting
• Knowledge of or experience with MongoDB
• Knowledge of air traffic control and flight services

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.

Pay Range: $131,300.00 - $237,350.00.