Tech Lead - Principal Software Engineer

Leidos is seeking a senior Tech Lead / Principal Software Engineer to guide cross-functional teams as they design, build, and secure software for the CESO program within a high-security cloud environment. This on-site role in Arlington, Virginia places you at the center of critical delivery, where technical leadership and rigorous engineering practices shape resilient, scalable solutions.

Location

Arlington, VA (onsite)

Salary

USD 131,300 - 237,350 per year

Experience

Minimum 12 years of experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within Agile teams and adhere to established workflows and processes
• Translate mission outcomes and backlog items into concrete technical delivery plans and sprint goals
• Lead the development and integration of secure APIs and data pipelines (structured and unstructured)
• Work with technologies including JavaScript, GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform
• Build automated CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible, and Bitbucket
• Adopt DevSecOps practices, implement CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and security controls
• Manage software release version control and provide release management support 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 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
• Lead, manage, and develop senior engineers and technical teams
• Own performance management, career development, succession planning, and talent growth
• Foster a high-performing, inclusive engineering culture
• Coach leaders on effective team management, delivery, and technical decision-making
• Own delivery outcomes across multiple Agile teams to ensure 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 longer-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

• Candidate must currently hold a TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience; additional years may be considered in lieu of degree
• Proven track record of leading multiple teams and delivering complex software systems
• Demonstrated leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and strong organizational/documentation skills
• Solid background in automated testing, CI/CD, and modern software delivery practices
• Experience with technologies such as JavaScript, GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform
• Hands-on full SDLC Agile software development experience, including end-to-end automation and production deployments
• Experience designing and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins, Artifactory, and Ansible (or equivalent tools)
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working in high op-temp, top secret environments
• Experience tracking projects in Jira or equivalent Agile project management software
• Experience with GitHub, Gradle, PowerShell, Java Full Stack, Oracle 19c, and Web services

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