Lead AI Software DeveloperLeidos is seeking a Lead AI Software Developer to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Baseline. Common Baseline is a mission-critical, future-ready automation solution built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture. As a member of a Scaled Agile software development organization, you will contribute to the technical execution of a program that integrates proven, globally deployed technologies with modern cloud-native and AI-enabled capabilities. You will work alongside cross-functional teams and technical leaders to deliver predictable outcomes in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.In this position, you will design and implement software solutions independently while working closely with systems engineering, product delivery, and DevSecOps teams. The primary focus is on developing microservices-based applications within an Agile/SAFe environment.
Experience with AI-enabled or data-driven systems is advantageous. This position supports government programs and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a favorable Public Trust investigation.This position is located in 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. You'll work on software that directly supports national air traffic operations, applying AI tools to accelerate development, improve quality, and enhance system reliability.What You'll DoDesign, develop, and maintain microservices-based applications using modern software engineering best practicesCollaborate with product owners, architects, and engineers in an Agile/SAFe environmentParticipate in sprint planning, daily standups, reviews, and retrospectivesCollaborate with systems engineering and program teams to translate requirements into working software solutionsDevelop clean, maintainable, and testable code following CI/CD and DevSecOps practicesContribute to system design discussions and technical decision-makingIntegrate services with databases, messaging systems, and external APIsSupport troubleshooting, performance tuning, and continuous improvementWork closely with QA, DevOps, and platform teams to ensure reliable deliveryImplement modern automated testing strategies, including unit, integration, contract, and end-to-end testingUse AI-assisted development tools to accelerate coding, refactoring, debugging, and test creationCore Technical Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)4+ years of relevant experience or a Master's Degree and 2+ years of relevant experienceHands-on experience building and supporting microservices-based systemsProficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C++, or similar on a Linux-based system)Experience or exposure to AI/ML-enabled systems (Claude-Code), automation, or intelligent platforms.Experience working in Agile environmentsUnderstanding of APIs and distributed system conceptsAbility to obtain and maintain a Public TrustU.S. citizenship requiredSuccessful completion of background investigations as required by the government customerPreferred / Desired QualificationsExperience with Git-based version control and CI/CD pipelinesFamiliarity with Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)Experience working with relational and/or NoSQL databasesHands-on experience with Kafka or other event-streaming technologiesCloud experience (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Containerization and orchestration experience (Docker, Kubernetes)Experience working in DevSecOps environmentsExperience with test automation frameworks and integration of automated test suites into CI/CD pipelinesWhy Leidos?You'll work on systems where performance, precision, and reliability matter — every second. This is not experimental AI for prototypes. This is disciplined, responsible AI applied to mission-critical software that supports national infrastructure.If you're excited by solving complex problems in regulated, real-world environments — and using AI as a force multiplier rather than a shortcut — we'd like to talk.