Sr. Software Developer

Leidos Inc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 87,100 - 157,450; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Inc. seeks a Sr. Software Development Engineer to join the ERAM program, delivering real‑time, high‑availability software for the FAA’s Next Gen ATC system.

You will work on the FlightDeck middleware, integrating Ada95/C++ on UNIX/Linux, automation scripts in KSH/Perl/Python, and ongoing system upgrades. You will collaborate with Systems Engineering to advance capabilities, upgrade services, and improve the overall experience for air traffic controllers, the flying public, and airline

Qualifications

• Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree.
• Demonstrated software development skills/capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Flexibility in working across multiple software languages.
• Demonstrated ability to debug and solve problems.
• Strong desire to learn and improve technical capabilities.
• 4–8 years work experience in a CS-related position (outside academic).

Responsibilities

• Modernize the ATC system by improving ERAM availability and performance.
• Support ERAM migration across hardware, software, OS, firmware, security, and CAS.
• Improve flight controllers' collaboration and decision-making for the flying public and airline industry.
• Develop FAA air traffic control software (Ada95/C++) on UNIX/Linux; use KSH/Perl/Python for automation.
• Perform software development as needed for the ERAM system.
• Coordinate solutions with Systems Engineering.
• Develop new capabilities and upgrade common services via FlightDeck API.
• Apply AI/ML concepts to improve software processes and capabilities.

Skills

Software Development

Verbal Communication

Multi-language Skills

Debugging

Learning & Growth

Education

BS in CS/CE

Job description

Description

Leidos is seeking a Sr. 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
• 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

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.
• Develop Maintain FAA air traffic control software (primarily Ada95/C++) on a UNIX/Linux platform. Leverage (KSH/PERL/PYTHON) for automation capabilities.
• 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
• 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
• 4-8 years work experience in a Computer Science related position (outside academic experience)

Preferred Qualifications

• Work Experience in a technical organization performing software engineering tasks.
• Previous software experience working with Air Traffic Control programs
• Leadership skills & experience

Original Posting: July 13, 2026

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.

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.