Principal Software Developer

Principal Software DeveloperLeidos is seeking Principal Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems. This work aligns with the FAA's broader initiative to modernize legacy flight service capabilities, replacing aging infrastructure with scalable, cloud-based platforms designed to improve safety and operational efficiency—particularly in remote and high-dependency aviation environments. These efforts focus on delivering mission-critical, future-ready solutions that provide 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.Primary ResponsibilitiesResponsible 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.Basic QualificationsBachelor'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 experienceIn-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 MockitoSignificant experience with RESTful API, JSON, XML, XSDSignificant experience with Spring Framework, Spring Security, and Spring BootSignificant experience with LinuxSignificant experience with version control systems such as Git or SubversionExperience with common development tools and IDEs (Eclipse, VS Code, etc.)Experience working within the Agile Scrum frameworkUnderstanding of sound software development principles and practicesAbility to effectively communicate verbally and in writingCapable of leading and managing work of other technical staff that has significant impact on project results and outputsAbility to obtain SF-85 Public Trust (Tier 2) suitability determinationUS citizenship requiredPreferred QualificationsExperience with AI-assisted coding (Claude Code, Codex etc.)Experience with microservices and cloud-based environmentsKnowledge of or experience with Python programming languageKnowledge of or experience with Ansible playbooks and YAMLKnowledge of or experience with Linux shell scriptingKnowledge of or experience with MongoDBKnowledge of air traffic control and flight services