Principal Software/Cloud Engineer

Leidos Holding • $131K — $237K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent expertise
  • 12+ years of experience in software/cloud engineering or related discipline
  • Deep knowledge of Azure and/or AWS cloud services
  • Proficiency in programming/scripting languages like Python, C#, Java, or PowerShell
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with current Polygraph required

Responsibilities

  • Support Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command objectives as a principal engineer
  • Design and modernize enterprise applications using Azure and/or AWS
  • Develop automated delivery practices with Infrastructure as Code
  • Implement secure cloud environments with robust security measures
  • Evaluate emerging cloud technologies and assess technical risks

Benefits

  • Work onsite at a secure facility in Fort Meade, MD
  • Opportunity to influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams
  • Engage in mission-critical projects with substantial technical autonomy
  • Mentorship opportunities for senior engineers and developers
  • Access to advanced cloud technologies and tools
Full Job Description
Job Summary:

We are seeking a seasoned Software Developer / Cloud Engineer to serve as a principal technical authority for cloud architecture, software development, automation, security, and modernization. The engineer will design and evolve enterprise capabilities in Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services (AWS), provide technical direction for cloud-native development, and help translate demanding mission requirements into secure, scalable, resilient solutions. The role requires strong hands-on engineering skills as well as the ability to influence technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.

Job Responsibilities/Qualifications:
  • Mission and Technical Leadership: Support Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MFCC) and Cyber Mission Force (CMF) objectives as a principal engineer with substantial technical autonomy. Establish and refine cloud engineering patterns, architecture standards, and development practices for secure mission environments; provide technical guidance on complex engineering decisions and help shape implementation approaches for mission-critical capabilities.
  • Cloud Architecture and Development: Design, build, integrate, and modernize enterprise applications and services using Azure and/or AWS. Apply cloud-native approaches such as containers, microservices, APIs, serverless components, and distributed architectures where they improve mission outcomes, resilience, maintainability, and scale.
  • Automation, CI/CD and DevSecOps: Develop repeatable engineering pipelines and automated delivery practices using Infrastructure as Code, configuration management, continuous integration, continuous delivery, security testing, and automated deployment. Help establish disciplined engineering processes that improve consistency, traceability, and delivery speed in secure environments.
  • Cloud Security and Reliability: Design and implement secure cloud environments incorporating identity and access management, least-privilege principles, encryption, network controls, secrets management, logging, monitoring, and vulnerability reduction. Troubleshoot complex cloud, software, infrastructure, networking, and performance issues while maintaining highly available and resilient services.
  • Technical Strategy and Collaboration: Evaluate emerging cloud technologies and competing architectural approaches, assessing technical risk, security, performance, scalability, cost, feasibility, and long-term sustainment considerations. Work closely with software, systems, network, cybersecurity, and mission stakeholders and mentor senior engineers and developers on sound engineering practices.
  • Experience and Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical field with 12 or more years of progressively complex experience in software development, cloud engineering, systems engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent expertise. Demonstrated depth in Azure and/or AWS, software and cloud architecture, secure systems development, programming or scripting, and enterprise Linux and/or Windows environments is required. Advanced experience with one or more programming or scripting languages such as Python, C#, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, PowerShell, or Bash.
  • Security and Other Requirements: Active TS/SCI clearance with a current Polygraph is required. A DoD Manual 8140.03 baseline certification applicable to the assigned role category is also required. The selected candidate must be able to work onsite each day in a secure facility at Fort Meade, MD; remote work is not available for this position.
  • Preferred Technical Skills: Experience with Git and modern development environments is desired. Additional exposure to Google Cloud, Visual Studio, Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, Azure Bicep, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, containers, serverless platforms, and cloud security tooling is valuable. Familiarity with technical tools such as GDB, Valgrind, LLDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, or comparable debugging and reverse-engineering tools is a plus.


Original Posting:
September 30, 2026

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 Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

Join the Team

Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

Stay Connected

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news from Leidos Holding. Subscribe to receive updates and be the first to know about new job opportunities, company developments, and more.

Prepare for Your Interview

To prepare for an interview at Leidos Holding, candidates should familiarize themselves with the company's missions and values, update their resumes, and be ready to discuss how their background and skills align with the position they are applying for.

Networking and Career Advancement

Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

Explore Leidos Holding Jobs and Careers

Discover the exciting career opportunities at Leidos Holding today. With a commitment to employee growth, innovation, and diversity, Leidos Holding is the perfect place to advance your career. Check out the latest job listings and find your perfect fit at Leidos Holding.

SEARCH LEIDOS HOLDING JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Leidos Holding. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await in your professional journey.
Learn more about Leidos Holding

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Leidos Holding

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Software/Cloud Engineer jobs: