Junior Software Engineer

Job Description

Junior Software Engineer – Defense Sector

Leidos is seeking a highly motivated Junior Software Engineer with 2+ years of professional experience to join a dynamic, product-focused engineering team within its Defense Sector. In this collaborative role, you will play a crucial part in the design, development, testing, and delivery of innovative software products. The primary technologies you will work with include Java, Rust, and JavaScript.

You will thrive in an Agile development environment, working closely with fellow engineers, product managers, and various stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high-quality software that effectively addresses user needs.

Location and Telework Policy

This position offers the flexibility of telework; however, the successful candidate must reside within a reasonable driving distance to one of the following Leidos locations, as weekly on-site work is required:

• Morgantown, WV
• Orlando, FL
• Omaha, NE
• Huntsville, AL

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust software components and services using Java, Rust, and JavaScript.
• Build and enhance user-facing features, primarily utilizing React.
• Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional Agile team, leveraging Jira for planning, tracking, and execution of tasks.
• Contribute to the continuous delivery pipelines with a strong emphasis on automated testing practices.
• Write and maintain comprehensive unit, integration, and system tests to ensure software quality and reliability for both backend and frontend systems.
• Leverage generative AI tools to assist with development, testing, documentation, and problem-solving where appropriate.
• Actively participate in code reviews, design discussions, and sprint ceremonies.
• Work closely with product and user-facing teams to incorporate feedback and continuously improve functionality and usability.
• Support ongoing improvements to development practices, tooling, and processes within the team.

Basic Qualifications

• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance within 365 days of employment with Leidos.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 2+ years of professional software development experience, or a Master’s degree with 1+ years of experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Proficiency in Java, Rust, and/or JavaScript, along with a willingness to work across these languages.
• Demonstrated experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• Familiarity with Jira or similar Agile project management tools.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and test-driven or test-focused development practices.
• Strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a larger engineering team.

Preferred Qualifications

• US Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and continuous delivery practices.
• Exposure to cloud-based or distributed systems.
• Experience using or experimenting with AI-assisted development tools.
• Understanding of software usability and user-centered design principles.

What Leidos Offers

• Opportunity to work on impactful software products delivered continuously to users.
• A collaborative team environment that values learning, feedback, and continuous improvement.
• Support for modern development practices, automation, and emerging tools.
• Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

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.

Compensation

Pay Range: $69,550.00 – $125,725.00

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.

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 www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

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 www.Leidos.com.