Tech Lead - Principal Software Engineer

Leidos is seeking a senior technical leader to guide cross-functional teams in designing, building, and securing software for the CESO program within a high-security cloud environment. This on-site position is based in Arlington, Virginia.

Location

Arlington, VA (onsite)

Compensation

Salary range: USD 131,300 to 237,350 per year.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of related experience; additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Guide teams operating within Agile methodologies to deliver prioritized outcomes.
• Translate mission outcomes and product backlog items into technical delivery plans and sprint goals.
• Lead development and integration of secure APIs and data pipelines (structured and unstructured).
• Proficiency with languages and environments such as JavaScript, Python, Java, and tools including GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform.
• Develop automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible, and Bitbucket.
• Implement DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and security controls.
• Manage software release version control and provide release management throughout the product life cycle from development through Test, QA, and Production environments.
• 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 responsible adoption of generative AI tools across engineering teams.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 a deep understanding of users and technical constraints.
• Drive alignment across engineering, product, design, and operations.

Requirements

• Current TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience; additional years may substitute for the degree.
• Proven track record of leading multiple teams and delivering complex software systems.
• Strong leadership, attention to detail, and documentation skills.
• Solid background in automated testing, CI/CD, and modern software delivery practices.
• Experience with languages/environments such as JavaScript, Python, Java; and tools like GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform.
• Hands-on full-SDLC Agile software development experience, including production deployment.
• Experience designing and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins, Artifactory, and Ansible or equivalents.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience operating in a high op-tempo, top secret environment.
• Experience tracking projects in Jira or equivalent Agile PM software.
• GitHub, Gradle, PowerShell, Java Full Stack, Oracle 19c, and Web services experience.

Technologies

• JavaScript
• GitLab
• Jenkins
• Ansible Automation
• Python
• Java
• PSSQL
• YAML
• Terraform
• Bitbucket
• Git
• Artifactory
• GitHub
• Gradle
• PowerShell
• Java Full Stack
• Oracle 19c
• Web services
• AWS
• Jira

Benefits

• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement