Software Development Engineer

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

Job summary

Leidos in Gaithersburg, MD is seeking a Software Development Engineer to join the ERAM FlightDeck team, developing real-time, high-availability software for the FAA's En-Route Automation Modernization system on UNIX/Linux platforms.

You will work in a multi-language environment (Ada95, C++, Python, Perl), contribute to system upgrades, and apply AI/ML concepts to SW processes, with opportunities to learn and grow in a mission-focused government setting.

Qualifications

• Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree with 0–1 year of experience.
• Demonstrated software development skills and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to work across multiple SW languages.

Responsibilities

• Modernize and maintain the FAA ERAM FlightDeck software on UNIX/Linux.
• Develop real-time, high-availability software in Ada95/C++.
• Coordinate with Systems Engineering and apply AI/ML concepts to SW processes.

Skills

Software development

Verbal communication

Multilanguage work

Debugging

Public Trust clearance

Education

B.S. in CS or CE

Tools

Ada95

C++

Perl

Python

Job description

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

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

July 8, 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 $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

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.