Software Development Engineer

Leidos LLC; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 58,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave and Retirement

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Software Development Engineer to join the ERAM/FlightDeck team, focusing on real-time, multi-threaded software for critical air-traffic control systems. The role involves Linux-based development, low-level networking, and integration with hardware, primarily using Ada95 and C++.

AI/ML-enabled enhancements are encouraged across design, code, and test phases. The position requires a CS/CE degree with 0–1 year of experience, strong debugging skills, and US citizenship with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with 0–1 year of experience.
• Able to communicate effectively and work across multiple programming languages.
• Willingness to debug and solve complex problems, with a strong desire to learn.
• Public Trust clearance eligibility and U.S. citizenship are required.

Responsibilities

• Modernize the ATC control system to improve ERAM availability and performance.
• Support ERAM upgrade activities including hardware, OS levels, firmware and security.
• Develop and maintain FAA air traffic control software (Ada95/C++) on UNIX/Linux.
• Create and modify scripts (PERL/PYTHON) for maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate new capabilities with Systems Engineering and FlightDeck API.
• Leverage AI/ML concepts to improve software processes and capabilities.

Skills

Multi-language programming

Debugging

Learning mindset

Education

CS or CE degree

Tools

Ada95/C++

Unix/Linux

Job description

Leidos is seeking a Software Development Engineer who will be a member of a dynamic team working on the Federal Aviation Administration’s En-Route Automation Modernization ERAM) system, which is the heart of the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System. ERAM is vital to air navigation, providing the backbone foundational platform for all ATC Systems. Developers on ERAM support new system capabilities/enhancements requested by the FAA and system upgrades based on Tech Refresh initiatives. ERAM also enables increased air traffic flow as the need for additional capabilities evolve. Leidos is looking for developers for the ERAM middleware layer which we refer to as FlightDeck. Flight Deck (FDK) functions, capabilities include:

• Real-Time Programming on High Availability Systems
• Multi-threaded programming
• Applications level programming
• Simulation programing to support ERAM System Level Testing
• Low Level Operating Systems (Linux) - Customization, RPMs, Firmware, Unix Command Line
• SW/HW Integration, NetApp, Hardware, Ansible Playbooks, automation (scripting languages)
• Low level communication software (TCP-IP, UDP, SCTP)
• Support of Common Services utilized by ERAM Application teams
• System Maintenance Concepts

ERAM has recently been approved for AI. Teams are encouraged to utilize AI capabilities to enhance all phases of SW development (Design, Code, and Test).

Primary Responsibilities Modernizing the AT control system by improving the availability and performance of the ERAM system. Supporting ERAM as it continues to migrate upgrade hardware, software, OS levels, firmware, security, and CAS. Detailed knowledge of Linux OS and OS concepts desirable. 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 Coordinate the development of new capabilities and upgrade to common services provided the applications via the FlightDeck API. Leveraging AI/ML concepts to improve SW processes and capabilities

Basic Qualifications: Computer Science or Computer Engineering Degree with 0-1 year of experience Demonstrated Software Development Skills/Capabilities Excellent Verbal and Communication Skills Flexibility in working across multiple SW languages Demonstrated ability to debug and solve problems A Strong Desire to Learn & Improve your Technical Capabilities The ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications: Hands-On Work Experience performing Software Engineering Tasks (non-academic internships) Track Record for completing complex SW development assignments. Leadership Skills & Experience

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.

Pay Range: Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00 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.

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.

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.

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.