Description
Leidos is seeking a Principal Data Architect / Scientist to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector , supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L-CAP) . L-CAP is a mission-critical, future-ready automation platform built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture , enabling next-generation air traffic management capabilities. As part of a large-scale Scaled Agile (SAFe) software development organization , you will serve as a technical leader and strategic architect , shaping enterprise data solutions that bridge mission needs, systems engineering rigor, and modern Agile delivery.
This role is ideal for a highly experienced architect who can operate at both strategic and hands-on levels, influence across teams and programs, and drive the evolution of scalable, secure, and resilient data ecosystems. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.
This position is located in either Gaithersburg, MD or Egg Harbor Township, NJ . This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that impact millions of air travelers.
This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days onsite and 2 days working from home.
This role focuses on building and modernizing real-time, safety-critical systems using a combination of traditional systems engineering and AI-augmented software development practices.
What You'll Do
Lead the definition and evolution of enterprise data architecture supporting L-CAP
Architect and govern data mesh-aligned solutions , enabling domain-driven data ownership and interoperability
Develop and oversee conceptual, logical, and physical data models for complex, mission-critical systems
Define architecture for hybrid cloud data environments , integrating on-premises and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Provide technical leadership for real-time and batch data pipelines, integration frameworks, and data services
Establish and enforce data governance, metadata management, and data quality standards at enterprise scale
Partner with senior stakeholders, systems engineers, and product leadership to align data strategy with mission objectives
Ensure architecture compliance with security, safety, and regulatory requirements for air traffic systems
Guide and influence Agile Release Trains (ARTs) , contributing to SAFe ceremonies and cross-team architectural alignment
Evaluate and drive adoption of emerging technologies and architectural patterns to enhance platform capabilities
Mentor architects and engineers, fostering best practices in data architecture, DataOps, and engineering excellence
Core Technical Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
12+ years of relevant experience (10+ years with a Master's degree); particularly in data architecture, data engineering, or enterprise data platforms
Demonstrated experience operating at a Principal or Lead Architect level on large, complex programs
Deep expertise in distributed data architectures and large-scale data systems
Advanced proficiency in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical)
Strong experience with hybrid cloud architectures and modern data platforms
Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, Scala)
Hands-on experience with data integration and streaming/batch processing technologies (e.g., Spark, Kafka, Airflow, or similar)
Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, and metadata management frameworks
Experience working within Scaled Agile (SAFe) or similar Agile frameworks
Proven ability to influence technical direction and communicate effectively with executive and technical stakeholders
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust
U.S. citizenship required
Successful completion of background investigations as required by the government customer
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
Experience supporting air traffic management systems , FAA programs, or other safety-critical environments
Familiarity with data mesh or data fabric architectures in enterprise settings
Experience designing real-time/streaming data solutions for mission-critical systems
Knowledge of DevSecOps/DataOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and/or architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)
Experience working in large-scale federal or defense programs
Active security clearance is desired but not required
Why Leidos?
Play a key role in shaping next-generation air traffic automation systems with national impact
Lead architecture within a cutting-edge hybrid cloud, data mesh environment
Influence technical direction across a large-scale Agile enterprise
Work alongside top-tier engineers and mission experts
If you're excited by solving complex problems in regulated, real-world environments - we'd like to talk.
ATMC
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:
May 1, 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
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.
REQNUMBER: R-00182306
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.
