Lead Software Developer

Description

Join a team that is modernizing the future of air traffic management while supporting one of the nation's most critical missions. In this role, you'll contribute to the development and deployment of the FAA's Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) system, helping deliver NextGen capabilities that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the National Airspace System. Beyond software development, you'll have the unique opportunity to work directly with FAA customers at airport locations across the country, supporting system deployments and seeing firsthand how your work enables mission success. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, collaborating with customers, and making a tangible impact in operational environments, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your career while supporting a program of national importance.

Leidos is looking for a Software Developer focusing on System Management supporting our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) program.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of next-generation air traffic management systems. Your expertise will directly contribute to the modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS), helping deliver technology that improves the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations at airports nationwide.

TFDM is the surface management solution that will provide NextGen Air Traffic Control capabilities to improve air traffic operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). The TFDM program is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) NextGen initiative focused on airport surface management, delivering a comprehensive integrated surface traffic control and management system that enhances efficiency for both airport surface operations and terminal airspace. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Location: This position is based in our Gaithersburg, MD office with a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working remotely.

Travel: Up to 50% travel is required for this role and is one of its most exciting aspects. You'll have the opportunity to travel to FAA airport locations across the United States, working side-by-side with customers and field teams as the TFDM system is deployed to 89 airports nationwide. This hands-on experience provides a unique chance to see your work come to life in operational environments, collaborate directly with FAA personnel, and gain firsthand insight into the technology that supports the nation's air traffic system. Travel is typically 1-2 weeks per trip, offering a rewarding balance of customer engagement, real-world system implementation, and technical problem solving.

Technical Skills (Required)

Core Technologies:

• Ansible - Deep experience with playbooks, roles, custom plugins, callbacks, and inventory systems
• Python - Strong scripting, automation, and tool development
• Bash/Shell scripting - Complex build orchestration and system automation
• Linux system administration - Red Hat Enterprise Linux, package management, integration of Linux technologies, etc. Demands strong foundational Linux administration and management of the full lifecycle of systems from bare metal to operational deployment across multiple environments.
• Container technology - Podman/Docker, container builds, orchestration

Infrastructure & DevOps:

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices
• Configuration management at scale
• CI/CD and build automation
• Release management and versioning
• Git workflows and collaboration

Systems Knowledge:

• Network configuration (VLANs, IP schemes, switch configs)
• Physical hardware provisioning (PXE boot, kickstart)
• Virtual machine lifecycle management (VMware and KVM)
• Multi-environment deployment (dev/test/prod/lab)
• Package ecosystem management (RPM, pip, Ansible Galaxy)

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

4+ years of proven experience in Software Engineering

Technical Skills (Highly Desirable)

• Ansible best practices
• YAML templating and variable hierarchies
• Ansible vault and secrets management
• Multi-site infrastructure coordination
• Custom Ansible plugin development
• AI assisted development

Domain Experience

• Enterprise infrastructure management
• Mission-critical system deployment
• Multi-processor-type system architectures
• Air-gapped or classified environments

Qualities & Soft Skills

Systems Thinking:

• Understand complex interdependencies (200+ Ansible roles, multiple processor types)
• Trace issues across numerous environment configurations
• See how changes ripple through the architecture

Systematic & Methodical:

• Follow documented workflows (TCM verification, CAS validation)
• Test thoroughly before deployment

Problem-Solving Approach:

• Debug across multiple abstraction layers
• Work within constraints of existing architecture

Collaboration:

• Work with established patterns rather than reinventing
• Coordinate across multiple sites and environments

ATMC

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.