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 experience or understanding of defense software assurance standards
• Range of experience in languages such as C#, Java, Python, Rust, and others

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"-we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2... good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:
October 23, 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 only and 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.

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