Lead Software Architect

About

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

This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD or Egg Harbor Township, NJ and offers a unique 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.

In this role, you will lead the design and evolution of scalable, secure, and high-performance systems. This position uniquely combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, guiding engineering teams in building robust architectures that align with business objectives. It’s aimed at experienced professionals who can balance innovation with discipline in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.

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), including 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.

Why Leidos?

Join us in working on systems where performance, precision, and reliability matter every second. This is not just experimental AI; it is disciplined, responsible AI applied to mission-critical software that supports national infrastructure.

If you are passionate about solving complex problems in regulated, real-world environments and utilizing AI as a force multiplier, we would love to speak with you.

If you seek comfort, this may not be the place for you. At Leidos, we aim to outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo because the mission demands it. We're looking for innovators who challenge the norm and refuse to settle for anything less than success.

Pay Range

$131,300.00 - $237,350.00

This range is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation. Various factors like job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, and internal equity will influence compensation.

About Leidos

Leidos is a leading industry and technology provider serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. With approximately 47,000 employees and annual revenues of about $16.7 billion, we are headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

Pay and Benefits

We offer competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement plans. More information is available at our careers page.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask for payment-related information during the application process. Only official Leidos emails will communicate with candidates. If you suspect a scam, please report it to local authorities.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

Leidos is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to various protected characteristics.