Software Development Intern

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Gaithersburg, MD invites Software Development Interns to join the Flight Deck (FDK) team working on the FAA ERAM system, a high-availability, high-performance core of the National Airspace System. Interns will gain hands-on experience with real-time programming, multi-threaded software, and UNIX/Linux environments while contributing to modernization efforts.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration with SW leadership, and development of automation tools; familiarity with C/C++,

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree.
• Demonstrated software development skills/capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Flexibility across multiple software languages.
• Ability to debug and solve problems.
• Willingness to engage, learn and improve technical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Modernize the ERAM control system to improve availability and performance.
• Support ERAM upgrades across hardware, software, OS, and firmware.
• Develop and maintain FAA air traffic control software on UNIX/Linux.
• Perform hands-on lab testing on target hardware during development.
• Consult with SW leadership and Systems Engineering on solutions.
• Develop productivity aids and automation tools.
• Learn quickly and ask quality questions to add value.

Skills

Software development

Multi-threading

C/C++

Linux OS

Education

Pursuing Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree

Tools

Python

Perl

KornShell

Ada

Job description

Leidos is seeking Software Development Intern(s) 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 Air Transportation System and the pulse of the National Airspace System. ERAM is high availability, high performance system that supports availability at 99.999% across the US Continental Airspace. ERAM provide benefits for FAA and the flying public by increased air traffic flow and maintenance concepts that enable it to run continuously 24 x 7 x 365.

We are seeking Intern candidate for our infrastructure team, Flight Deck (FDK). FDK Software scope includes:

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

ERAM has recently been approved for AI. Teams are encouraged to utilize AI capabilities to enhance all phases of SW Prototype and Development.

Primary Responsibilities

• Modernizing the AT control system by improving the availability and performance of the ERAM system.
• Supporting ERAM as it continues to upgrade hardware, software, OS levels, firmware, security, and CAS. Detailed knowledge of Linux OS and OS concepts desirable.
• Developing and maintaining the FAA air traffic control software on a UNIX/Linux platform.
• Performing hands on lab testing on the target HW during software development.
• Consult with SW Leadership and Systems Engineering on solutioning.
• Development of Productivity Aids and Automation Tools.
• Heavy focus on learning and ability to ask quality questions that add value.

Interns typically work with one of the ERAM SW teams getting exposure to the technical environment and people who support ERAM.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Computer Science or Computer Engineering Degree
• 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 Engage, Learn & Improve your Technical Capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Work Experience in a Technical organization performing Software Engineering Tasks.
• Flexibility in utilizing different SW languages (Python, Perl, Kornshell, Ada, C, C++, others as needed)
• Familiarity with using the Unix Command line and editors
• Understanding of Operating System & Network Concepts.
• Leadership Skills & Experience
• Presentation Skills.
• Track record of working successfully on group projects.

Original Posting

Original Posting: September 25, 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 $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

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.