Software Development Engineer

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Software Development Engineer to join a dynamic team working on the FAA’s ERAM system, the heart of NextGen air transportation. You will modernize the control software, improve availability and performance, and work on Ada95/C++ on UNIX/Linux with Perl/Python support.

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining FAA air traffic control software, coordinating with Systems Engineering, and delivering high-quality software for real-time, high-availability environments.

Qualifications

• Basic degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Demonstrated software development capabilities.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to debug and solve problems.
• Strong desire to learn.
• Must be able to obtain an FAA Public Trust.

Responsibilities

• Modernizing the AT control system by improving the availability and performance of the ERAM system.
• Optimizing the experience for the flying public, Air Traffic Control, and the airline industry by improving collaboration and decision-making for flight controllers.
• Developing and maintaining FAA air traffic control software (primarily Ada95/C++) on a UNIX/Linux platform; Perl/Python support.
• Performing software development as needed for the ERAM system.
• Coordinate solutions with Systems Engineering.

Skills

Software development

Verbal communication

Debugging

Learning mindset

Education

Computer Science or Computer Engineering Degree

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking an Software Development Engineer who will be a member of a dynamic team working on the Federal Aviation Administration’s En-Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) technology, which is the heart of the Next Generation Air Transportation System and the pulse of the National Airspace System helping to advance our transition from a ground-based system of air traffic control to a satellite-based system of air traffic management. ERAM is vital to the future of air navigation, providing the foundational platform required for FAA to enable NextGen solutions, via modernization programs such as System Wide Information Management, Data Communications, and Automatic Dependent Surveillance- Broadcast.

ERAM will provide benefits for users and the flying public by increasing air traffic flow Flight Deck (FDK) functions include:

• Real-Time Programming on High Availability Systems
• Multi-threaded programming
• Low Level Operating Systems Customization (RedHat, LINUX)
• Low level communication software (TCP-IP, UDP, SCTP)
• Support of Common Services utilized by ERAM Application teams
• System Maintenance Concepts

Primary Responsibilities

• Modernizing the AT control system by improving the availability and performance of the ERAM system.
• Optimizing the experience for the flying public, Air Traffic Control, and the airline industry by improving the collaboration and decision-making capabilities of flight controllers
• Developing and maintaining the FAA air traffic control software (primarily Ada95/C++) on a UNIX/Linux platform. There are a number of support/maintenance functions that utilize PERL/PYTHON.
• Performing software development as needed for the ERAM system
• Coordinate Solutions with Systems Engineering

Basic Qualifications

• Computer Science or Computer Engineering Degree
• Demonstrated Software Development Skills/Capabilities
• Excellent Verbal and Communication Skills
• Demonstrated ability to debug and solve problems
• A Strong Desire to Learn
• Must be able to obtain an FAA Public Trust

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of work experience in a Technical organization performing Software Engineering Tasks.
• Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Leadership Skills & Experience
• ATMC

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:

August 20, 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 $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About 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 $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. 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 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.