Contract New Grad Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Description

Leidos’ Digital Sector/Global Solutions Management-Operations II (GSMO-II) contract has an opening for a Network Software Engineer located in the Scott AFB, IL area.  The Network Software Engineer will work as part of a team to support the development and release of new software tools using the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform, Python, and other software languages to sustain and manage a Carrier-class Wide Area Network for the Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will offer the candidate an opportunity to engage in network engineering using knowledge of routing and system fundamentals in an ISP level network environment. This position is ideal for a networking professional with a few years of experience in software tool creation looking to develop and expand their abilities and showcase their skills in a fast paced and technically challenging role.

Primary Responsibilities-

• Design, develop, document, test and release software written in Python, XML, and other languages for use with the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform.
• Integrate software with network devices, including Cisco ASR9K and Juniper MX series routers.
• Perform engineering tasks related to the design, implementation, and integration of network changes and sustainment of customer systems in a Wide Area Network environment.
• Conduct planning and performance of analytical research, design development, and other tasks to align with customer specifications.
• Ensure efficient delivery of contract capabilities using industry standards and repeatable processes.
• Mitigate risks, control costs and schedule variance, and effectively manage large scale, integrated projects.
• Perform a variety of analytical tasks which include hardware and software design and implementation.
• Proactively identify, report, monitor, and mitigate technical risks.
• Frequently communicate and collaborate with other team members to ensure successful completion of project objectives.

Basic Qualifications-

• Currently possess an active DoD Secret clearance or higher
• Currently possess DoD 8750 certification at IAT level II, Security+ CE or equivalent to meet requirement.
• Python software development experience that includes REST api development, as well as the parsing, generation and validation of JSON.
• Experience with distributed version control software such as Git and Bitbucket.
• Experience developing software on a Linux platform.
• Experience troubleshooting and configuring IP networks using at least one of the following routing methods: BGP, ISIS, OSPF, and/or Static routing.
• Experience with either service provider or enterprise IP networks using an interface on Cisco (ESR and ASR) and/or Juniper routers.
• Strong communication skills that enable proactive and effective collaboration with a team.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts of Software Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications-

• Proficient in Juniper and Cisco configuration, troubleshooting, and design.
• Experience with Cisco IOS XR, JUNOS, and Cisco IOS codes.
• Network configuration experience, specifically with Juniper or Cisco routers, to include protocols such as BGP, MPLS, VPLS, Pseudowires and QoS.
• Certifications with major network system vendors such as Cisco are a strong plus
• Experience developing XML and/or object-oriented programming.
• Experience developing software using SDN modeling languages and protocols such as YANG, NETCONF and RESTCONF.
• Full software lifecycle experience (design, development, test, deployment), including deployment to a production environment.
• Experience developing software including the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Experience creating software design artifacts, including the creation of functional, technical, and architectural design documentation as well as test cases and installation, deployment and configuration documentation.
• Software Defined Networking experience, particularly experience with Cisco NSO.
• Possessing project, technical, interpersonal, presentation and problem management skills.

Required Education and Experience-

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical discipline, plus 2-4 years of prior relevant experience or a Master’s degree with less than 2 years of prior relevant experience.

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:July 22, 2026 Pay Range: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.

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.

Pay and Benefits

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.

Securing Your Data

Beware 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-Discrimination

All 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.