Principal AI Software Developer

Leidos • Eagan, MN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a Principal AI Software Developer based in Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Egg Harbor, NJ to support the UK National Airspace System Replacement Product Delivery Team (UK NASR PDT) This role offers the opportunity to work on real-time, safety-critical systems that directly support national air traffic operations for the United Kingdom. You will help modernize a high-availability air traffic management platform using both traditional systems engineering practices and AI-augmented software development techniques. This is a hybrid schedule with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote. 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.

Requirements

• AI-Driven Engineering Experience We are specifically seeking engineers who actively integrate AI into their daily development workflow.
• Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar ) for: Code generation and refactoring Debugging and automated test creation IDE-integrated workflows
• Familiarity with large language model platforms ( OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, etc. )
• Experience designing effective prompts and validating AI-generated output
• Understanding of human-in-the-loop development and responsible AI usage
• Ability to evaluate AI-generated outputs for correctness, performance, safety, and bias — especially in regulated or safety-critical environments
• Experience incorporating AI/ML techniques into software engineering workflows
• Experience with automated testing frameworks
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant experience
• Strong object-oriented programming experience
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Ada (Ada preferred but not required)
• Experience developing real-time, multi-threaded systems
• Familiarity with Linux (Red Hat), virtual machines, and hypervisors
• Experience with low-level communications protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, SCTP)
• Experience with hardware or complex system integration
• Experience with source control and configuration management tools
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and within cross-functional teams
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
• US citizenship required

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software for real-time, high-availability systems
• Apply AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and automated test generation
• Use AI responsibly across the full SDLC — including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, and code review
• Analyze complex system requirements and translate them into efficient, maintainable designs
• Develop and maintain automation scripts across development, test, and production environments
• Promote code quality, reuse, traceability, and cross-team collaboration

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees