Lead Software Developer

Leidos•Gaithersburg, MD

2d•$87,100 - $157,450•Hybrid

About The Position

Join a team that is modernizing the future of air traffic management while supporting one of the nation’s most critical missions. In this role, you’ll contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system, helping deliver NextGen capabilities that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System. Beyond software development, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work directly with FAA customers at airport locations across the country, supporting system deployments and seeing firsthand how your work enables mission success. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, collaborating with customers, and making a tangible impact in operational environments, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your career while supporting a program of national importance. Leidos is looking for a Software Developer focusing on System Management supporting our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of next-generation air traffic management systems. Your expertise will directly contribute to the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), helping deliver technology that improves the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations at airports nationwide. TFDM is the surface management solution that will provide NextGen Air Traffic Control capabilities to improve air traffic operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). The TFDM program is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) NextGen initiative focused on airport surface management, delivering a comprehensive integrated surface traffic control and management system that enhances efficiency for both airport surface operations and terminal airspace. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

Ansible - Deep experience with playbooks, roles, custom plugins, callbacks, and inventory systems
Python - Strong scripting, automation, and tool development
Bash/Shell scripting - Complex build orchestration and system automation
Linux system administration – Red Hat Enterprise Linux, package management, integration of Linux technologies, etc.
Demands strong foundational Linux administration and management of the full lifecycle of systems from bare metal to operational deployment across multiple environments.
Container technology - Podman/Docker, container builds, orchestration
Infrastructure & DevOps: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices
Configuration management at scale
CI/CD and build automation
Release management and versioning
Git workflows and collaboration
Systems Knowledge: Network configuration (VLANs, IP schemes, switch configs)
Physical hardware provisioning (PXE boot, kickstart)
Virtual machine lifecycle management (VMware and KVM)
Multi-environment deployment (dev/test/prod/lab)
Package ecosystem management (RPM, pip, Ansible Galaxy)
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
4+ years of proven experience in Software Engineering

Nice To Haves

Ansible best practices
YAML templating and variable hierarchies
Ansible vault and secrets management
Multi-site infrastructure coordination
Custom Ansible plugin development
AI assisted development
Enterprise infrastructure management
Mission-critical system deployment
Multi-processor-type system architectures
Air-gapped or classified environments
Systems Thinking: Understand complex interdependencies (200+ Ansible roles, multiple processor types)
Trace issues across numerous environment configurations
See how changes ripple through the architecture
Systematic & Methodical: Follow documented workflows (TCM verification, CAS validation)
Test thoroughly before deployment
Problem-Solving Approach: Debug across multiple abstraction layers
Work within constraints of existing architecture
Collaboration: Work with established patterns rather than reinventing
Coordinate across multiple sites and environments

Responsibilities

Contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA’s Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system.
Support system deployments at FAA airport locations across the country.
Work directly with FAA customers and field teams.
Ensure the seamless integration and functionality of next-generation air traffic management systems.
Modernize the National Airspace System (NAS) by delivering technology that improves the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations.