Software Developer

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 air traffic management systems. Your expertise will contribute to the modernization and enhancement of the systems that support air traffic control operations.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’s (FAA) NextGen program based on airport surface management that provides efficiency for both the airport surface and terminal airspace by providing a new and comprehensive integrated surface traffic control and management system. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.**Location: This position is in our Gaithersburg, MD office 3 days a week and 2 days a week from home office.Travel: 25% travel is required for this position. Travel will be to various airports across the country as the TFDM system is deployed to 89 airports. The travel will generally be between 1 to 2 weeks per trip.Minimum Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field4+ years of proven experience in Software EngineeringMust be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearanceMust be a US Citizen or Permanent ResidentMinimum Core Technologies:Ansible - Deep experience with playbooks, roles, custom plugins, callbacks, and inventory systemsPython - Strong scripting, automation, and tool developmentBash/Shell scripting - Complex build orchestration and system automationLinux 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, orchestrationMinimum Infrastructure & DevOps experience:Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practicesConfiguration management at scaleCI/CD and build automationRelease management and versioningGit workflows and collaborationRequired 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)Desired Technical Skills:Ansible best practicesYAML templating and variable hierarchiesAnsible vault and secrets managementMulti-site infrastructure coordinationCustom Ansible plugin developmentAI assisted developmentDomain ExperienceEnterprise infrastructure managementMission-critical system deploymentMulti-processor-type system architecturesAir-gapped or classified environmentsQualities & Soft SkillsSystems Thinking:Understand complex interdependencies (200+ Ansible roles, multiple processor types)Trace issues across numerous environment configurationsSee how changes ripple through the architectureSystematic & Methodical:Follow documented workflows (TCM verification, CAS validation)Test thoroughly before deploymentProblem-Solving Approach:Debug across multiple abstraction layersWork within constraints of existing architectureCollaboration:Work with established patterns rather than reinventingCoordinate across multiple sites and environmentsIf 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.Original Posting:August 18, 2026For 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.Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00The 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.SummaryLocation: Gaithersburg, MDType: Full time