Systems and Software Engineering Manager – Air Traffic Systems

Leidos • Gaithersburg, MD

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Leidos is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead a systems and software team supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Time Based Flow Management (TBFM) program. TBFM is a critical decision-support system that enables efficient aircraft sequencing by shifting from distance-based spacing to time-based metering. This capability reduces airborne holding, increases airspace capacity, and enables more fuel-efficient continuous descent approaches. As air traffic demand continues to grow nationwide, this system plays a key role in modernizing air traffic operations. What You’ll Do Lead a team of software and systems engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of Air Traffic Control systems Own delivery execution, including schedule, risks, defects, and technical milestones , ensuring alignment with FAA program objectives Drive end-to-end systems integration , ensuring requirements are testable, traceable, and aligned across software and system components Partner with technical leads to conduct architecture and design reviews (this is a leadership role with technical oversight, not day-to-day coding) Improve engineering execution by identifying and removing bottlenecks across development, integration, and test workflows Manage staffing, workload planning, and team performance , including leading geographically distributed teams Interface directly with FAA stakeholders and internal leadership, providing clear status, risks, and technical recommendations Oversee development of key engineering artifacts such as requirements verification matrices, integration plans, and test reports

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of experience (or Master’s with 6+) in software, systems, or related engineering fields
• Experience leading engineering teams delivering complex software-intensive systems
• Experience managing schedule, scope, risks, and cost (CAM or similar responsibilities)
• Experience with large-scale system integration involving software and systems components
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with technical teams and external customers (FAA or similar stakeholders)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and approval from the FAA
• U.S. Citizenship required

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing distributed or hybrid teams
• Background in Air Traffic Management, aviation systems, or FAA programs
• Experience with requirements engineering, verification/validation, and system integration practices
• Prior technical experience in Java or C++ environments (ability to engage in architectural discussions and technical decision-making)
• Experience introducing process improvements across development and integration workflows
• Familiarity with modern engineering practices (e.g., automated testing, CI/CD, or DevSecOps) in regulated environments

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of software and systems engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of Air Traffic Control systems
• Own delivery execution, including schedule, risks, defects, and technical milestones , ensuring alignment with FAA program objectives
• Drive end-to-end systems integration , ensuring requirements are testable, traceable, and aligned across software and system components
• Partner with technical leads to conduct architecture and design reviews (this is a leadership role with technical oversight, not day-to-day coding)
• Improve engineering execution by identifying and removing bottlenecks across development, integration, and test workflows
• Manage staffing, workload planning, and team performance , including leading geographically distributed teams
• Interface directly with FAA stakeholders and internal leadership, providing clear status, risks, and technical recommendations
• Oversee development of key engineering artifacts such as requirements verification matrices, integration plans, and test reports

What This Job Offers

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