Description
Leidos is seeking an Autonomous Systems Software Lead to help guide a team of talented software engineers developing mission-critical systems for our Underwater Vehicle programs . These programs advance the state of the art in autonomous maritime operations and directly support national-level defense priorities across multiple Department of Defense agencies.
In this role, you will provide technical mentorship , hands-on software contributions , and supervisory and process oversight for an agile team of developers. You'll help shape engineering practices, ensure process compliance, coordinate project reporting, and foster a culture of technical excellence and accountability within the team.
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement , with most work performed on-site in our Lynnwood or Poulsbo, WA facilities.
Primary Responsibilities
Mentor and guide software engineers through code reviews, design discussions, and career development.
Contribute to system architecture and software implementation for autonomous underwater software systems.
Ensure adherence to project processes, configuration management, and quality standards.
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary leads (systems, mechanical, electrical, test) to deliver integrated solutions.
Track progress, manage priorities, and communicate team status and risks to program leadership.
Drive continuous improvement in development practices and toolchains.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
8+ years of professional software development experience, including C++ or Python in Linux environments
Experience leading or mentoring Agile engineering teams
Working knowledge of Agile, DevSecOps, or similar development methodologies.
Active Secret clearance or eligibility to obtain one.
Familiarity with MBSE Systems Modeling Language (SysML) tools such as Cameo Magic Draw
Experience with modern software toolchains (CI/CD, containerization, automated testing, distributed source control)
Experience with virtualized development and production environments
Familiarity with secure coding and defense cybersecurity standards
Ability to communicate and share ideas, concepts, designs, and technical plans with a team of engineers
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with unmanned systems, robotics, or maritime autonomy
Familiarity with DDS, ROS, or middleware for distributed autonomous systems
Prior DoD program or understanding of defense software assurance standards
Range of experience in languages such as C#, Java, Python, Rust, and others
SUBSEAMSS
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:
December 1, 2025
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 $126,100.00 - $227,950.00
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 (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) .
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.
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REQNUMBER: R-00171129-OTHLOC-PL-2D2219
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.