Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead

Leidos Holding$131K — $237K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI security clearance required
  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience or equivalent experience
  • Proven leadership in delivering complex software systems
  • Strong skills in automated testing and CI/CD practices
  • Experience in Agile software development and lifecycle automation
  • Proficiency in software languages and tools like JavaScript, Python, GitLab, and Jenkins
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities

Responsibilities

  • Engineer secure and scalable APIs and data pipelines
  • Lead Agile teams to translate mission outcomes into technical plans
  • Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines using modern tools
  • Define long-term technical strategies for software architecture
  • Drive engineering excellence, including security and reliability
  • Lead senior engineers and fostering an inclusive culture
  • Ensure delivery quality and alignment with product stakeholders

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on a mission-critical DISA program
  • Innovative, cutting-edge technology environment
  • 100% on-site collaboration in Arlington, VA for deeper engagement
  • Focus on career development and succession planning
  • Inclusive engineering culture with emphasis on team performance
Full Job Description

We’re seeking a Principal Engineer / Technical Lead to support the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office (CESO) in Arlington, VA. This effort is building a modern Secure Web Service (SWS) operation on a cutting‑edge, highly automated platform designed to support a rapidly expanding customer base. In this role, you’ll help drive CESO’s migration to a high‑security cloud environment, delivering key capabilities such as network and communication services, monitoring services, and system administration. If you’re ready to make an impact on a mission‑critical DISA program and work with a team shaping the next generation of secure enterprise services, apply today!

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



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 onlyand 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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