Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead

Job overview

Principal Software Engineer / Tech Lead in Arlington, VA. This is an onsite position with a salary range of $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 per year. This role supports the Compartmented Enterprise Services Office (CESO) in building a modern Secure Web Service (SWS) operation on a highly automated platform designed to support a rapidly expanding customer base.

What you'll do

• Lead development and integration of secure APIs, data pipelines (structured/unstructured).
• Experience with software development languages/environments such as: JavaScript, GitLab, Jenkins, Ansible Automation, Python, Java, PSSQL, YAML, and Terraform.
• Develop automated CI/CD build/deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Ansible and Bitbucket.
• Implement DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, and security controls.
• Implement software release version control, provide release management support throughout a software product's life cycle.
• 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 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.
• 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 deep understanding of users and technical constraints.
• Drive alignment across engineering, product, design, and operations.

What we're looking for

Education

BA and 12+ years of experience

Experience

12+ years

Skills & competencies

principal software engineer

tech lead

arlington va

leidos

full-time

computer

ts/sci

devsecops

agile

About the employer

Leidos is hiring for this role. Industry: Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing. Sector: 31.