Entry-Level AI Software Engineer

Description

Leidos is looking for an Entry-Level Software Engineer with AI development experience to be a part of our innovative team. You will contribute to the UK National Airspace System Replacement Product Delivery Team (UK NASR PDT) based in Gaithersburg, MD; Eagan, MN; or Egg Harbor, NJ.

This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with real-time, safety-critical systems supporting national air traffic operations in the United Kingdom. Join us as we modernize a high-availability air traffic management platform using advanced systems engineering practices integrated with AI-augmented software development techniques.

This is a hybrid role, with 3 days onsite and 2 days remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software for real-time, high-availability systems.
• Apply AI-assisted development tools to enhance coding efficiency, refactoring, debugging, and automated testing.
• Utilize AI responsibly throughout the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, documentation, and code reviews.
• Analyze complex system requirements and transform them into efficient, maintainable designs.
• Develop and manage automation scripts within development, test, and production settings.
• Encourage code quality, reuse, traceability, and collaborative efforts across teams.

Required Qualifications

• AI-Driven Engineering Experience
• Hands-on experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar) for:
• Code generation and refactoring
• Debugging and automated test creation
• Integrated development environments
• Familiarity with large language model platforms (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, etc.).
• Experience in crafting effective prompts and validating AI-generated outputs.
• Understanding of human-in-the-loop development and responsible AI practices.
• Ability to assess AI-generated outputs for correctness, performance, safety, and bias, particularly in safety-critical environments.
• Experience integrating AI/ML techniques into software development workflows.
• Familiarity with automated testing frameworks.

Core Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field with 4-8 years of relevant experience OR a Master's degree with 2-6 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in object-oriented programming.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Ada (Ada preferred but not mandatory).
• Experience in developing real-time, multi-threaded systems.
• Familiarity with Linux (Red Hat), virtual machines, and hypervisors.
• Experience with low-level communications protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, SCTP).
• Experience with hardware or complex system integration.
• Knowledge of source control and configuration management tools.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
• US citizenship required.

Why Join Leidos?

Join us to work on systems where performance, precision, and reliability are critical. Our focus is not on experimental AI but on disciplined, responsible AI applied to mission-critical software, ensuring national infrastructure support.

If you thrive on tackling complex challenges in regulated, real-world settings and leverage AI to amplify rather than simplify, we encourage you to apply.

At Leidos, we are not merely hiring followers; we seek those who dare to innovate, challenge conventions, and insist on excellence. Join us as we advance into the future with speed and purpose.

Original Posting: February 18, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change, Leidos anticipates this job opening will remain available for at least 3 days after the original posting date.

Pay Range: Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

The Leidos pay range is a general guideline only, influenced by factors such as responsibilities, education, experience, skills, and internal equity.

About Leidos

Leidos is a leader in technology and industry, serving government and commercial customers through improved digital and mission-oriented innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, we have 47,000 employees globally and reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2025.

Compensation and Benefits

Our compensation packages reflect the significance of the work we do. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More information is available on our careers page.

Data Security Warning

Beware of employment scams associated with Leidos. We will never request payment information during the application process or ahead of employment. Authentic communications will come from our official email addresses.

If you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam, please notify local law enforcement and report the incident.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, and other legally protected categories. We also welcome applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable laws.