Software Engineer

leidos· 00100 LEIDOS, INC.
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📍 San Diego, CAFull time💰 USD 87K–157K

About this role

Leidos’ Undersea Systems Division is seeking a Software Engineer in San Diego, CA to join a fast-paced R&D engineering group. This role is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in underwater vehicle systems, maritime sensors, subsea telemetry, and ISR solutions that support critical defense and national security missions at Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific (NIWC PAC).

Leidos’ USD is a recognized leader in C4ISR technologies, delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions across sensor networks, unmanned systems, and tactical platforms. We’re known for achieving “industry firsts” in the most challenging maritime domains.

Join us and be part of a world-class team delivering unmatched solutions for today's most pressing maritime missions. 

This position will require the candidate to maintain a Secret Clearance to start.

This position will require the candidate to work a 9/80B schedule (80 hours of work into nine days over a two-week period, allowing for every other Friday off) onsite at NIWC to align with the NIWC government team.

Primary Responsibilities:

This individual will work with a small team of engineers and technicians to develop, test, and deliver uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) based on system requirements.  Specific development includes software related to operations of UUVs as well as sensor integration.

Software Engineering focus:

  • Develop and refine user interface and control of various sensors integrated onboard UUVs.
  • Develop and optimize UUV behaviors to accomplish assigned tasks while maximizing opportunities for sensor data collection.
  • Optimize existing code (C/C++/C#, Java and Python).
  • Develop platform-independent data processing tools.
  • Produce SW performance reports based on test & evaluation requirements.
  • Create engineering & training documentation for technological deliveries.
  • Architect and implement secure CI/CD pipelines utilizing modern containerization and DevOps principles, integrating automated testing and vulnerability scanning to accelerate deployment cycles while maintaining high code quality.

Testing involves working onboard small boats and ships on the ocean, launching and recovering systems at sea, and post-test analysis of data. Reporting includes providing results from post-test data analysis into official reports or briefing material. Most development and testing will be conducted in San Diego; however, engineers may occasionally travel in support of testing, training and/or operations in other locations both in the U.S. and abroad and may spend multiple days at-sea onboard ships.

In addition to primary duties, this individual will be encouraged to develop expertise on the functionality and operations of one or more UUV platforms, new technologies, and may be asked to operate the system at-sea during test and evaluation.

Education/Skills:

  • U.S. Citizen with an active SECRET security clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance (requires US CItizenship)
  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science (preferred) in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
  • Process-oriented and attention to detail.
  • Strong leadership skills.
  • Experience working with and managing small groups.
  • Must be flexible and responsive to customer needs.
  • Requires frequent movement around piers, docks, and facility spaces.
  • Required to transport or lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds across the facility.
  • Requires constant use of hands/fingers to operate machinery, tools, or computer equipment.
  • Requires ability to move about the warehouse, stoop, kneel, or reach for extended periods.
  • Ability to climb ladders up to 20 feet.
  • Able and willing to work aboard marine vessels of various sizes, sometimes overnight.
  • Requires work in various temperatures and inclement weather.
  • 3+ years C/C++, Python & Java language programming fluency
  • Familiarity with versioning control and CI/CD workflows
  • Experience working independently or in teams to develop solutions, deliver products, and test and evaluate performance.
  • Experience and skill analyzing experiment data to determine results as feedback into the development cycle.
  • Strong technical writing skills to provide input to or create technical reports and briefing material.
  • Ability to identify a solution to a presented problem and map it to a schedule.

An ideal candidate would have experience with uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) operations, including experience with sensor integration, mission constructs, and command and control. Experience with at-sea test and evaluation (T&E) to include operations onboard small craft and large ships at sea.

SUBSEAMSS

If 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 Posting:

September 16, 2026

For 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 Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Software Engineer role at leidos?
The listed salary for this Software Engineer position at leidos is USD 87K–157K. This is an Full time role.
Where is the Software Engineer position at leidos located?
This Software Engineer role at leidos is based in San Diego, CA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Software Engineer role at leidos full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Software Engineer role in the 00100 LEIDOS, INC. department at leidos.
Which team or department does the Software Engineer at leidos belong to?
This Software Engineer position is part of the 00100 LEIDOS, INC. department at leidos. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Software Engineer position at leidos?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to leidos's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Software Engineer job at leidos posted?
This Software Engineer position at leidos was posted on Sep 16, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Software Engineer
leidos · 💰 USD 87K–157K
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