Description

Are you a motivated Principal Software Engineer with technical, hands-on experience developing software to solve challenging problems involving advanced technologies such as AI/ML, Resilient Systems, Quantum communications, and Cybersecurity? Join us at the Leidos Innovations Center, Information and Data Science Division, with a group of highly skilled and innovative individuals and a variety of exciting R&D programs.   

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal Investigators, Researchers, and Subject Matter to refine system requirements
• Designing, implementing, and testing software systems for a variety of platforms utilizing modern software languages (C, C++, Python, Rust, etc.) to solve complex problems.
• Lead software development teams
• Lead efforts to develop the Software Development, Integration, and testing processes using state-of-the-art industry best practices
• Collaborate in cross-discipline teams to deliver measurable mission impact

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree 12+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10+ years of prior relevant experience
• Experience with CI/CD tools and technologies
• Must have a strong understanding of sound software development principles and practices
• Designing, implementing, and testing software and working knowledge of software configuration management
• Extensive experience with programming languages such as Java, Scala, C/C++, Ruby, Rust, or Python and leading software development projects
• Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to coworkers, teammates, and customers.
• Support a wide variety of target software, from AI/ML, to Quantum communications, to Functional programming
• Experience in developing software for both embedded and cloud/server applications
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in San Diego CA.
• An active DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GitLab and Jira
• Experience with Containerization architectures

• Experience with developing secure, resilient solutions
• Experience with formal methods
• Experience with developing/integrating/testing embedded applications

• Experience with Machine Learning and/or Artificial Intelligence algorithms and libraries
• Active DoD Top Secret clearance

Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.

We’re the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don’t wear capes (they’re a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for “how it’s always been done.”

Original Posting:

October 2, 2025

Pay Range:

Pay Range $126,100.00 – $227,950.00

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.