Principal Software Architect

Leidos

. Define and drive the overall system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeGaithersburg • Maryland, New Jersey • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $131,300 - $237,350 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSAzureCloudDistributed SystemsDockerGoGoogle Cloud PlatformJavaKubernetesMicroservicesPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and drive the overall system architecture, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability.
Lead the design of complex software systems across multiple platforms (cloud, distributed systems, microservices).
Collaborate with product, engineering, and leadership teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
Establish architectural standards, best practices, and governance processes.
Evaluate and recommend technologies, frameworks, and tools.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior and mid-level engineers.
Conduct architecture reviews, code reviews, and technical risk assessments.
Ensure system security, compliance, and data integrity across platforms.
Drive modernization initiatives (e.g., cloud migration, microservices adoption).
Troubleshoot and resolve high-impact technical issues.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent years of experience
12+ years of software development experience (or 10+ years experience with a Master's Degree), with 3+ years in an architectural role.
Strong experience with distributed systems, APIs, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, Go).
Experience designing microservices and event-driven architectures.
Deep understanding of system design principles, patterns, and trade-offs.
Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
Strong knowledge of security best practices and compliance standards.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive compensation
Health and Wellness programs
Income Protection
Paid Leave
Retirement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

system architecturesoftware developmentdistributed systemsAPIscloud platformsprogramming languagesmicroservicesevent-driven architecturesDevOps practicesCI/CD pipelines

Soft Skills

technical leadershipmentorshipcommunicationstakeholder management

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degreePublic Trust