Principal Solutions Architect

DescriptionLeidos is seeking a Principal Solutions Architect to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of the Leidos Common Automation Platform (L-CAP) and Common Baseline. L-CAP is a mission-critical, future-ready automation solution built on a hybrid cloud data mesh architecture. As a member of a large-scale, Scaled Agile software development organization, you will play a central role in shaping next-generation air traffic automation capabilities by bridging mission needs, systems engineering rigor, and Agile software delivery.In this role, you will serve as the Solution Architect and will use your deep expertise in service-based architectures (SOA/microservices) to support mission-critical programs. This role will lead the design of scalable, secure, and resilient architectures that align with federal standards, cloud-first strategies, and zero trust principles, while enabling rapid delivery and modernization. This position is intended for experienced practitioners who can balance innovation with discipline in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment.This position is located in Gaithersburg, MD. 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. Key ResponsibilitiesLead architecture design for service-based and microservices solutions supporting federal mission systemsDefine and enforce architecture standards, reference architectures, and design patterns across programsPartner with program managers, engineers, and customers to translate mission needs into scalable technical solutionsDesign and guide implementation of API-first, loosely coupled, and event-driven architecturesSupport cloud adoption and migration efforts (AWS, Azure, GCP), including hybrid and multi-cloud environmentsEnsure compliance with federal security requirements (e.g., NIST, FedRAMP, Zero Trust Architecture)Provide technical leadership in DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code (IaC)Conduct architecture reviews, trade studies, and technology evaluationsMentor engineering teams and promote best practices in distributed systems and integration patternsSupport capture and proposal efforts by contributing to technical volumes and solutioningCore Technical QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (additional experience may be considered in lieu of degree)12+ years of experience in software development or systems engineering (or 10+ years of experience with a Master's degree) and 5+ years in architecture rolesDemonstrated experience designing and implementing service-based architectures (SOA, microservices)Strong experience with API design (RESTful services), service integration, and messaging frameworksHands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes/OpenShift)Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD tools, and automation frameworksUnderstanding of federal security frameworks (NIST 800-53, RMF, FedRAMP)Strong written and verbal communication skills, including customer engagementAbility to obtain and maintain a Public TrustU.S. citizenship requiredSuccessful completion of background investigations as required by the government customerPreferred / Desired QualificationsExperience supporting federal civilian, DoD, or Intelligence Community customersKnowledge of event-driven architectures and streaming technologies (e.g., Kafka)Cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect)Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture and identity-based security modelsExperience with Agile/SAFe development environmentsBackground in data architecture, analytics platforms, or AI/ML integrationAgile certifications (CSPO, SAFe POPM)Why 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.ATMCIf you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.Original PostingApril 24, 2026For 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 RangePay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00The 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.About LeidosLeidos 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 www.Leidos.com.Pay And BenefitsPay 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 www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.Securing Your DataBeware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll 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 for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.