Senior Lead Software Engineer

Join our innovative team as a Senior Lead Software Engineer and contribute to pioneering unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Located in Arlington, VA, you will be an integral part of an Agile Scrum team, focusing on designing, building, and testing cutting-edge software that supports critical maritime programs. You'll lead transformative projects, helping to convert existing vessels into autonomous platforms and developing new ships from initial concepts to deployment.

What You'll Work On:

Your work will encompass a diverse range of software applications, including:

• Ship Automation & Control Systems
• Autonomous Navigation
• Sensor Fusion & Processing
• Communication Systems
• Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, code, and enhance software to introduce new features and improve performance.
• Engage in the complete software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
• Act as the technical lead for small projects, providing direction and ensuring high technical quality.
• Mentor and coach junior engineers, promoting professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
• Conduct peer reviews of software to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.
• Drive continuous process improvements, working with the team to optimize workflows, tools, and engineering practices.
• Evaluate field tests, analyze results, and translate findings into practical software enhancements.
• Communicate effectively with project stakeholders, updating them on technical progress, risks, and solutions.
• Be prepared for limited travel (up to 25%) to support field testing, client interactions, and program milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field plus 4+ years of professional software development experience, or a Master's degree plus 2+ years of professional experience.
• Proficient in data structures.
• Professional experience with C++ and Linux.
• Strong knowledge of the Linux operating system.
• Experience with software source control and configuration management tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a team setting, including providing guidance and coaching to other developers.
• Exposure to high availability systems, sensor fusion, target tracking, path planning, communications systems, or military systems integration.
• Capability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Experience with automated build processes (Bamboo, Jenkins, etc.).
• Professional experience in Java and front-end development frameworks.
• Knowledge and experience with relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, or Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience with Python.
• Skilled in designing complex systems with performance and user requirements in mind.
• Familiar with interface communication standards/protocols like TCP/IP, UDP, and DDS.
• Knowledgeable in game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, and safety-critical software.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes for containerization and automation technologies.
• Proficient in designing, implementing, and analyzing simulations that involve extensive datasets, ensuring effective data processing and accurate modeling results.
• Strong understanding of vector geometry for spatial analysis, modeling, and problem-solving within simulation environments.
• Active Secret Security Clearance is preferred.

If you're ready to take on challenges, Leidos offers an environment where you can thrive. We are looking for innovators who disrupt the ordinary to help us achieve extraordinary missions.

Pay Range:

$87,100.00 - $157,450.00. The Leidos pay range for this job is a general guideline and is not a guarantee of compensation. Factors considered in extending an offer include job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, and internal equity.

About Leidos

Leidos is a leading technology and industry company serving government and commercial customers through innovative digital and mission solutions. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 employees globally, Leidos reported revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

We provide compensation packages that reflect the significance of our work for our customers, including competitive pay, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement benefits. More details can be found on our careers page.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

Leidos is committed to equal opportunity and values diversity in the workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to various factors such as race, ethnicity, age, national origin, etc., consistent with relevant laws.