Principal Software Engineer - C++

Overview

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.

Join us and make a difference in National Security!

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the development and evolution of mission-critical satellite communication software. This role is highly customer-facing and requires the ability to translate complex operational needs into reliable, high-performance software solutions. You will work across the full lifecycle—from design through deployment—while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet demanding technical and mission requirements.

• Translate user requirements into detailed software designs for new capabilities and system enhancements.
• Develop maintainable, production-quality C++ software for satellite communication applications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve defects through systematic debugging and log analysis.
• Design and implement database or data-repository interfaces to support application data flows.
• Build performance-critical algorithms that meet strict timing, resource, and interface constraints.
• Incorporate automated testing into the development workflow, including unit and integration tests.
• Produce clear technical documentation and collaborate with architects, QA, and project leadership to ensure successful delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related discipline and Twenty (20) or more years of software engineering experience. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency in C++, including experience with real-time or performance-sensitive systems.
• Experience with RF signal analysis or satellite communications concepts
  .
• Familiarity with Dev Ops tools and environments (VMware, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with message queues and communication protocols.
• Ability to design and troubleshoot complex algorithms under strict performance constraints.
• Experience integrating automated testing into the development lifecycle.
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Clearance Requirement:
  Active TS/SCI with polygraph

Note: The following sections provide context about compensation and company information.

Original Posting: February 3, 2026

Pay Range: Pay Range $ - $

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.