Principal Software Architect

Description

Leidos is seeking a Principal Software Architect to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector , supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L-CAP) and Common Baseline. L-CAP is a mission‑critical, future‑ready automation solution built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture. As a member of a large‑scale, Scaled Agile software development organization, you will play a central role in shaping next‑generation air traffic automation capabilities by bridging mission needs, systems engineering rigor, and Agile software delivery.

In this role, you will serve as the Software Architect and lead the design and evolution of scalable, secure, and high‑performance systems. This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, guiding engineering teams in building robust architectures that align with business goals. This position is intended for experienced practitioners who can balance innovation with discipline in a highly regulated, safety‑critical environment.

This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD . This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that impact millions of air travelers.

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home.

This role focuses on building and modernizing real‑time, safety‑critical systems using a combination of traditional systems engineering and AI‑augmented software development practices. You’ll work on software that directly supports national air traffic operations, applying AI tools to accelerate development, improve quality, and enhance system reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the overall system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
• Lead the design of complex software systems across multiple platforms (cloud, distributed systems, microservices).
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and leadership teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Establish architectural standards, best practices, and governance processes.
• Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior and mid‑level engineers.
• Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
• Ensure system security, compliance, and data integrity across platforms.
• Drive modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, microservices adoption).
• Troubleshoot and resolve high‑impact technical issues.

Core Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent years of experience.
• 12+ years of software development experience (or 10+ years experience with a Master’s Degree), with 3+ years in an architectural role.
• Strong experience with distributed systems, APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, Go).
• Experience designing microservices and event‑driven architectures.
• Deep understanding of system design principles, patterns, and trade‑offs.
• Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong knowledge of security best practices and compliance standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust
• U.S. citizenship required
• Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience in large‑scale enterprise environments.
• Familiarity with domain‑driven design (DDD).
• Experience with data architecture (SQL/NoSQL, data pipelines).
• Certifications in cloud platforms or architecture frameworks (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect).
• Exposure to AI/ML systems or modern data platforms.

Pay Range

$131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.

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.