Principal Software Developer

Leidos•Gaithersburg, MD

About The Position

Leidos is seeking Principal Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Alaska Automation Capability (AAC). AAC is part of the FAA’s broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service systems, replacing aging infrastructure with a scalable, cloud-based platform designed to improve safety and operational efficiency—particularly in remote and high-dependency aviation environments like Alaska. AAC is a mission-critical, future-ready, cloud-based solution providing safety-critical flight services to the pilot community. As a member of a Scaled Agile software development organization, you will contribute to the technical execution of a program that integrates proven, globally deployed technologies with modern cloud-native capabilities. You will work alongside cross-functional teams and technical leaders to deliver predictable outcomes in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment. In this position, you will design and implement software solutions independently while working closely with systems engineering, product delivery, and DevSecOps teams. The primary focus is on developing containerized applications within an Agile/SAFe environment. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field with 12-15 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree with 10-13 years of experience. May also possess a Doctorate.
In-depth knowledge of Java with substantial hands-on programming experience
In-depth experience with Web development and commonly used front-end tools and languages (React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Extensive experience with unit testing tools such as Junit and Mockito
Significant experience with RESTful API, JSON, XML, XSD
Significant experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, and Spring Boot
Significant experience with Linux
Significant experience with version control systems such as Git or Subversion
Experience with common development tools and IDEs (Eclipse, VS Code, etc.)
Experience working within the Agile Scrum framework
Understanding of sound software development principles and practices
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
Capable of leading and managing work of other technical staff that has significant impact on project results and outputs
Ability to obtain SF-85 Public Trust (Tier 2) suitability determination
US citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI-assisted coding (Claude Code, Codex etc.)
Experience with microservices and cloud-based environments
Knowledge of or experience with Python programming language
Knowledge of or experience with Ansible playbooks and YAML
Knowledge of or experience with Linux shell scripting
Knowledge of or experience with MongoDB
Knowledge of air traffic control and flight services ATMC

Responsibilities

Responsible for software development activities both individually and as a member of a team including writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining source code within an Agile environment.
Work to achieve key project/program objectives.
Use AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and test creation.
Develop solutions to highly complex issues and problems that impact multiple areas of disciplines.
Actively participate in Agile scrum ceremonies and other related team activities.
Write and execute unit and functional tests.
Troubleshoot and participate in the resolution of technical issues in lab and operational environments.
Provide support as needed for system engineering, test engineering, and system owner teams.
Ability to communicate with executive leadership (internally or client) regarding matters of significant importance to the organization/project.