Description
Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a
Principal Software Engineer in our
Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At
Leidos, we offer
competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.
Join us and make a difference in National Security! Job Summary
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the development and evolution of missioncritical satellite communication software. This role is highly customerfacing and requires the ability to translate complex operational needs into reliable, highperformance software solutions. You will work across the full lifecycle-from design through deployment-while collaborating closely with crossfunctional teams to ensure systems meet demanding technical and mission requirements.
Primary Responsibilities
Translate user requirements into detailed software designs for new capabilities and system enhancements.
Develop maintainable, productionquality C++ software for satellite communication applications.
Troubleshoot and resolve defects through systematic debugging and log analysis.
Design and implement database or datarepository interfaces to support application data flows.
Build performancecritical algorithms that meet strict timing, resource, and interface constraints.
Incorporate automated testing into the development workflow, including unit and integration tests.
Produce clear technical documentation and collaborate with architects, QA, and project leadership to ensure successful delivery.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline and Twenty (20) or more years of software engineering experience. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Proficiency in C++, including experience with realtime or performancesensitive systems.
Experience with RF signal analysis or satellite communications concepts.
Familiarity with DevOps tools and environments (VMware, Docker, Kubernetes).
Experience with message queues and communication protocols.
Ability to design and troubleshoot complex algorithms under strict performance constraints.
Experience integrating automated testing into the development lifecycle.
Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with polygraph
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If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
February 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
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
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
