Principal Software Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Paid Leave and Retirement

Job summary

Leidos Inc in Arlington, VA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our team developing unmanned and autonomous ship technology for the US Government. You will be embedded in an Agile Scrum team, designing, building, and testing software that powers critical maritime programs and guiding the transformation of vessels into autonomous platforms from concept to deployment.

The role requires 12+ years in software, expertise in C++ and Linux, system architecture, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM field with 12+ years of professional software development, or 10+ years with a Master's degree.
• Strong knowledge of data structures and C++ in a Linux environment.
• Experience with software source control and configuration management; ability to guide others.
• Exposure to high availability, sensor fusion, target tracking, path planning, or military systems integration is a plus.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, code and update software for new features and performance improvements.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle from requirements through deployment.
• Serve as technical lead for small projects, providing direction and ensuring technical quality.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering growth and elevating team capabilities.
• Perform peer reviews and ensure quality, maintainability and best practices.
• Drive continuous process improvements and optimize workflows, tools and practices.
• Assist with evaluating field tests, analyze results and translate findings into software enhancements.
• Engage with client project stakeholders, communicating progress, risks and solutions, including travel up to 25%.

Skills

C++

Linux

Data structures

Team leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM field

Master's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Bamboo

Jenkins

Job description

Description

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you will be embedded within an Agile Scrum team – designing, building, and testing software that powers some of the nation’s most critical maritime programs. The candidate will help to lead projects of significant national importance, guiding the transformation of existing vessels into autonomous platforms and supporting the development of new ships from concept through deployment.

What You’ll Work On

• Ship Automation & Control Systems
• Autonomous Navigation
• Sensor Fusion & Processing
• Communication Systems
• Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, code and update software for new features and performance improvements.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Serve as technical lead for small projects, providing direction and ensuring technical quality.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering professional growth and elevating team capabilities.
• Perform peer reviews of software, ensuring quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.
• Drive continuous process improvement, collaborating with the team to optimize workflows, tools, and engineering practices.
• Assist with evaluating field tests, analyzing results and transitioning findings into actionable software enhancements.
• Engage directly with client project stakeholders, communicating technical progress, risks, and solutions effectively.
• Some travel (up to 25%) to support field testing, client engagements, and program milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM field plus 12+ years of professional software development experience, or 10+ years of professional experience with a Master's degree.
• Understanding of data structures.
• Professional experience using C++ and Linux.
• Knowledge of the Linux operating system.
• Experience with software source control and configuration management tools.
• Significant experience working in a team environment, including experience providing guidance and coaching other developers.
• Exposure to one or more of the following: high availability, sensor fusion, target tracking, path planning, communications systems, or military systems integration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Familiarity with automated build processes (Bamboo, Jenkins, etc.).
• Professional experience using Java and front-end development frameworks.
• Knowledge and experience with relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience with Python.
• Experience designing complex systems, considering performance and user requirements.
• Experience with interface communication standards / protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and DDS.
• Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.
• Demonstrated experience with Docker and Kubernetes (RKE2) in containerization, Kubernetes management and automation technologies.
• Experienced in designing, implementing, and analyzing simulations involving extensive datasets, ensuring efficient data processing and accurate modeling outcomes.
• Proficient in applying vector geometry concepts for spatial analysis, modeling, and problem-solving in simulation environments.
• Active Secret Security Clearance preferred.

Pay Range

$131,300.00 – $237,350.00

Pay and Benefits

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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.