Software Engineer

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Software Engineer to develop software for defense systems in a Linux environment, focusing on C++ and Python within a SAFe framework at the Huntsville, AL office.

You will work with cross-functional teams, perform peer reviews and unit tests, and contribute to full software lifecycle in a DoD context; bachelor or master with 2+ years and current Secret clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent from an ABET‑accredited university with 2+ years of experience or Master’s degree.
• Strong competency in at least C/C++, Python.
• Experience with software engineering throughout the software lifecycle.
• Experience with software best practices such as peer reviews, automated testing, and document generation.
• Experience collaborating with other functional groups to create a software product.
• Experience working within an Agile environment.
• Experience using Jira and Gitlab (or equivalent).
• Experience developing within Qt IDE (or equivalent).
• Experience developing in a Linux environment.
• Familiarity troubleshooting/testing software in an HWIL environment.
• Currently living in Huntsville, AL area or willing to relocate.
• Currently holds a Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Developing software for use in a Linux environment.
• Developing software in a SAFe environment using Jira and Gitlab.
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to implement desired software functionality.
• Utilizing software best practices such as peer reviewing and unit testing.
• Debugging and troubleshooting software in a HWIL setting.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Qt

Jira

Gitlab

Agile

Secret clearance

Education

ABET-accredited degree (2+ years) or Master’s

Tools

Jira

Gitlab

Qt IDE

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions.

Within the Defense Sector, Leidos currently has an opening for a talented Software Engineer to work onsite in our Huntsville office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to develop software for critical counter UAS and missile defense solutions. This position focuses on supporting the complete software lifecycle of complex defense systems in a Linux environment using languages like C++ and Python. The Software Engineer will develop software within a Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) environment, collaborating with multiple stakeholders across a multi-disciplinary team and utilizing software best practices to create unique solutions for complex mission‑critical problems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Developing software for use in a Linux environment
• Developing software in a SAFe environment using Jira and Gitlab
• Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to implement desired software functionality
• Utilizing software best practices such as peer reviewing and unit testing
• Debugging and troubleshooting software in a HWIL setting

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent degree from an ABET‑accredited university with 2+ years of experience or Master’s degree
• Strong competency in at least C/C++, Python
• Experience with software engineering throughout the software lifecycle
• Experience with software best practices such as peer reviews, automated testing, and document generation
• Experience collaborating with other functional groups (systems engineering, electrical engineering, test, etc.) to create a software product
• Experience working within an Agile environment (or equivalent)
• Experience using tools such as Jira and Gitlab (or equivalent)
• Experience developing within Qt IDE (or equivalent)
• Experience developing in a Linux environment
• Familiarity troubleshooting/testing software in an HWIL environment
• Currently living in Huntsville, AL area or willing to relocate.
• Currently holds a Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Buildroot and VMWare
• Experience using Wireshark and developing software that sends communications over a network (UDP/TCP)
• Supporting and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
• DoD acquisition processes and methods

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:

September 25, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.

For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment‑related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.