System Integration Engineer

Leidos•Gaithersburg, MD

1d•$87,100 - $157,450•Hybrid

About The Position

Join a team that is helping modernize the future of air traffic management while supporting one of the nation's most critical transportation missions. Leidos is seeking a Systems Integration Engineer to join the Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this role, you will be responsible for integrating, validating, and deploying mission-critical capabilities that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System (NAS). TFDM is the FAA's NextGen surface management solution that enhances airport surface and terminal airspace operations through an integrated traffic control and management system. As part of this team, you'll collaborate with software engineers, system engineers, and FAA stakeholders to deliver capabilities that directly support air traffic controllers and airport operations across the country. This position offers more than a traditional integration and test role. You'll have the opportunity to work directly with FAA customers during system deployments, formal test events, and customer acceptance activities at airports nationwide. You'll see your work transition from the lab into live operational environments while helping deliver technology that supports one of the world's most complex aviation systems. This position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD office with a hybrid schedule of three days per week in the office and two days working remotely. Up to 50% travel is required and is a key part of this role. You'll travel to FAA airport locations throughout the United States to support system integration, customer demonstrations, formal testing, and operational deployments. Working alongside FAA personnel in live airport environments provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand operational experience, build strong customer relationships, and see the direct impact of your work as TFDM is deployed across the National Airspace System. Travel is typically one to two weeks per trip. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience, or 4+ years with a related Master's degree. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Ability to obtain an FAA SF-85P Public Trust.
Experience integrating and testing large-scale, distributed software systems.
Strong Linux/UNIX administration and troubleshooting experience.
Experience with Python, Bash, or Shell scripting for automation and data analysis.
Experience troubleshooting network configurations, connectivity, and distributed system interfaces.
Experience working with XML messaging, APIs, databases, or messaging middleware.
Experience developing automation solutions that improve engineering efficiency.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, program leadership, and FAA customers.
Willingness to travel up to 50% to support customer deployments and operational testing.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to AI-assisted engineering tools (such as Claude Code or similar technologies) is highly desirable.
Experience integrating mission-critical or highly available systems.
FAA or Air Traffic Management domain experience.
Knowledge of National Airspace System (NAS) interfaces including FDIO, STARS, TBFM, and ASDE-X.
Experience leading formal integration, verification, or customer acceptance events.
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies including Scrum or Kanban.
Understanding of systems engineering processes including requirements management, interface definition, and verification.
Experience working with distributed systems, enterprise messaging, and service-oriented architectures.

Responsibilities

Integrate, configure, and validate TFDM capabilities within both physical and virtual integration laboratories.
Execute system integration, verification, and validation activities to ensure the system is properly configured and operating within the National Airspace System.
Support formal customer demonstrations, verification events, and customer acceptance testing with FAA stakeholders.
Collaborate with software, systems engineering, networking, and infrastructure teams to investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve complex system-level issues.
Analyze integration and test results, identify root causes, and provide detailed technical documentation supporting issue resolution.
Support deployment and integration activities at FAA operational facilities, including Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs).
Execute system interface testing and validate communications across internal and external NAS interfaces.
Coordinate integration activities with FAA personnel and cross-functional Leidos engineering teams.
Develop automated tools, scripts, and AI-assisted solutions that improve testing efficiency, reduce manual effort, and streamline repetitive tasks.
Support remote deployment activities by coordinating with infrastructure, networking, and installation teams.
Learn and maintain a deep understanding of TFDM architecture, system functionality, interfaces, and operational workflows.
Partner with Systems Engineering to develop integration and test strategies for new capabilities and system enhancements.
Integrate services with databases, messaging systems, and external APIs.
Troubleshoot XML messaging, JMS queue configurations, networking issues, IP configurations, and interface connectivity.
Demonstrate system capabilities during formal "run-for-record" events supporting customer acceptance and release readiness.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior integration engineers while helping ensure program milestones are successfully achieved.