Chief Software Engineer

Leidos is seeking a Chief Software Architect to join the CTO team for a complex, large-scale DoD program. In this role, you will be responsible for enterprise software architecture across multiple contracts and task orders, lead architecture governance, and oversee the planning and development of overall systems architectures. You will drive and perform analyses of alternatives to ensure mission solutions are secure, scalable, operable, and cost‑effective. Our technical teams provide next‑generation software capabilities across missions including JIATF‑S, DISN operations optimization, The White House, SAP missions across the DoD, cross‑domain technologies, and various combatant commands worldwide. This role is hybrid and requires onsite presence at Ft. Meade, MD and Reston, VA on a regular basis. Primary Responsibilities: Lead enterprise software architecture and design for DoW and DISA mission systems, including reference architecture, solution patterns, and technical standards. Partner with task order technical leadership to ensure implementation of software development best practices, standards, guidelines, and drive consistency across business areas. Drive innovation and industry trend awareness; lead teams in DevOps and Agile best practices and mentor technical teams to improve quality, velocity, and operational outcomes. Collaborate with stakeholders to define system requirements and translate them into secure, scalable solutions. Evaluate and integrate new technologies into architectures supporting mission and business‑driven outcomes. Partner with the CTO organization to drive innovation, create roadmaps, and invigorate thought leadership within the customer domain, maintaining a forward‑looking perspective on industry trends and emerging technologies. Work with Business Development teams to shape technical strategies, solution architectures, and win themes for new opportunities and on‑contract growth. Define development processes, target metrics, and best practices to enable repeatable delivery and effective knowledge transfer, ensuring security best practices are integrated throughout the development lifecycle and comply with data protection regulations. Deliver executive‑level technical briefings to customers and internal leadership, communicating architecture decisions, risks, tradeoffs, and progress. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 17+ years of experience or a Master’s degree with 15+ years of experience. DoD Clearance at the Top Secret level with the ability to obtain SCI with Poly preferred. Proficiency in multiple programming languages, cloud computing, distributed systems, and microservices architecture; in‑depth knowledge of system architecture, design patterns, and best practices. Experience with data architectures and pipelines for structured, unstructured, and semi‑structured data across various repositories and data lakes. Experience with front‑end technologies, UI/UX design, and DevSecOps tools, including CI/CD pipelines. Experience leading technical delivery in Agile environments, including Scrum ceremonies and use of Agile work‑management tools such as JIRA and Confluence. Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to collaborate with customers, cross‑functional teams, and stakeholders. Self‑starter with the ability to engage with government stakeholders, program, and corporate senior leadership to develop alignment, resolve complex technical issues, and make defensible decisions. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree with 15+ years in systems architecture and leadership roles. Expert knowledge of modern software architecture (distributed systems, microservices, UI/UX design, APIs, event‑driven patterns) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GPC, Oracle) with a focus on scale, reliability, and maintainability. Proven expertise in mission software solutions related to data science, machine learning, or similar technologies. Previous experience with the DISA domain, DoD, or Intelligence Community communities. Experience applying data analytics and/or AI/ML capabilities within secure enterprise environments. Completed certifications in system architecture, cloud, or network solutions (e.g., TOGAF, AWS, Cisco, IBM, VMware). Demonstrated ability to drive technological innovation and serve as an agent of change within an organization. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr