Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead

Description

Join the team transforming secure cloud operations for the future.

This position is based in Arlington, VA and is 100% on-site.

Primary Responsibilities

Engineering

Experience in working on teams utilizing Agile workflows and processes

Translate mission outcomes and prioritized product backlog items into technical delivery plans and sprint goals

Lead development and integration of secure APIs, data pipelines (structured/unstructured)

Experience with software development languages/environments such as: JavaScript. GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, JavaScript, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform

Develop automated CI/CD build/deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible and Bitbucket.

Implement DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and security controls

Implement software release version control, provide release management support throughout a software product's life cycle (initial software development through promotion to Test, QA and Production Environments), ensuring the consistency and reliability of software builds

Organizational & Technical Leadership

Define and drive long-term technical strategy and architectural direction across teams

Oversee the design and delivery of scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions

Serve as a senior technical authority and escalation point for cross-team and cross-domain issues

Champion engineering excellence, including automated testing, CI/CD, reliability, and security

Establish standards, best practices, and governance for software development

Guide the responsible adoption of generative AI tools across engineering teams

People Management & Leadership Development

Lead, manage, and develop senior engineers and technical teams

Own performance management, career development, succession planning, and talent growth

Build and sustain a high-performing, inclusive engineering culture

Coach leaders on effective team management, delivery, and technical decision-making

Delivery & Execution

Own delivery outcomes across multiple Agile teams, ensuring predictability and quality

Partner with product and business stakeholders to align roadmaps, priorities, and execution

Ensure effective Agile practices, metrics, and continuous improvement using Jira

Balance near-term delivery with long-term platform and technical investments

Incorporate customer feedback, operational insights, and data to drive product improvements

Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration

Act as a key engineering representative in cross-functional and leadership discussions

Communicate technical vision, risks, and progress to senior leadership

Influence product strategy through deep understanding of users and technical constraints

Drive alignment across engineering, product, design, and operations

Basic Qualifications

Candidate must an active TS/SCI security clearance

BA and 12+ years of experience. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Proven track record of leading multiple teams and delivering complex software systems

Demonstrated leadership skills and attention to detail, including excellent organizational and documentation skills

Strong background in automated testing, CI/CD, and modern software delivery practices

Experience with software development languages/environments such as: JavaScript. GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, JavaScript, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform

Hands-on full-SDLC Agile Software Development experience, including full software lifecycle automation experience (design, development, test, deployment), including deployment to a production environment

Experience designing, building, and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins, Artifactory and Ansible (or equivalent tools)

Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Experience working in a high op-temp, top secret environment

Previous experience tracking projects in Jira or equivalent Agile Project Management software

Experience with the following technologies:

GitHub

Gradle

PowerShell

Java Full Stack

Oracle 19c

Webservices

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experienced with DISA and DISA’s support to mission partners

Experience designing, developing, and deploying software in a cloud environment (AWS preferred).

#ceso

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.

Original Posting:June 3, 2026

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.

Pay Range: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.

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

Securing Your Data

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If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

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.