Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead

Leidos•Arlington, VA

13h•$131,300 - $237,350•Onsite

About The Position

Join the team transforming secure cloud operations for the future. We’re seeking a Principal Engineer / Technical Lead to support the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office (CESO) in Arlington, VA. This effort is building a modern Secure Web Service (SWS) operation on a cutting‑edge, highly automated platform designed to support a rapidly expanding customer base. In this role, you’ll help drive CESO’s migration to a high‑security cloud environment, delivering key capabilities such as network and communication services, monitoring services, and system administration. If you’re ready to make an impact on a mission‑critical DISA program and work with a team shaping the next generation of secure enterprise services, apply today! This position is based in Arlington, VA and is 100% on-site.

Requirements

Candidate must an active TS/SCI security clearance
BA and 12+ years of experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Proven track record of leading multiple teams and delivering complex software systems
Demonstrated leadership skills and attention to detail, including excellent organizational and documentation skills
Strong background in automated testing, CI/CD, and modern software delivery practices
Experience with software development languages/environments such as: JavaScript. GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, JavaScript, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform
Hands-on full-SDLC Agile Software Development experience, including full software lifecycle automation experience (design, development, test, deployment), including deployment to a production environment
Experience designing, building, and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins, Artifactory and Ansible (or equivalent tools)
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Experience working in a high op-temp, top secret environment
Previous experience tracking projects in Jira or equivalent Agile Project Management software
Experience with the following technologies: GitHub Gradle PowerShell Java Full Stack Oracle 19c Webservices

Nice To Haves

Prior experienced with DISA and DISA’s support to mission partners
Experience designing, developing, and deploying software in a cloud environment (AWS preferred).

Responsibilities

Engineering Experience in working on teams utilizing Agile workflows and processes
Translate mission outcomes and prioritized product backlog items into technical delivery plans and sprint goals
Lead development and integration of secure APIs, data pipelines (structured/unstructured)
Experience with software development languages/environments such as: JavaScript. GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, JavaScript, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform
Develop automated CI/CD build/deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible and Bitbucket.
Implement DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and security controls
Implement software release version control, provide release management support throughout a software product's life cycle (initial software development through promotion to Test, QA and Production Environments), ensuring the consistency and reliability of software builds
Define and drive long-term technical strategy and architectural direction across teams
Oversee the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions
Serve as a senior technical authority and escalation point for cross-team and cross-domain issues
Champion engineering excellence, including automated testing, CI/CD, reliability, and security
Establish standards, best practices, and governance for software development
Guide the responsible adoption of generative AI tools across engineering teams
Lead, manage, and develop senior engineers and technical teams
Own performance management, career development, succession planning, and talent growth
Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive engineering culture
Coach leaders on effective team management, delivery, and technical decision-making
Own delivery outcomes across multiple Agile teams, ensuring predictability and quality
Partner with product and business stakeholders to align roadmaps, priorities, and execution
Ensure effective Agile practices, metrics, and continuous improvement using Jira
Balance near-term delivery with long-term platform and technical investments
Incorporate customer feedback, operational insights, and data to drive product improvements
Act as a key engineering representative in cross-functional and leadership discussions
Communicate technical vision, risks, and progress to senior leadership
Influence product strategy through deep understanding of users and technical constraints
Drive alignment across engineering, product, design, and operations