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Lead Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Software Developer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$125.30K - $157.20K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Lead Software Developer , who will be a member of a dynamic team in Gaithersburg, MD, working on the development/maintenance of software that improves aircraft runway and terminal ...

Lead Software Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$111.60K - $139.90K/yr

The Lead Software Developer is a key role in Virtus's growing Tech/Dev practice. They have a strong technical understanding of writing code in different languages, analyzing data, and contributing to ...

.NET Lead Software Developer(35647)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$115.20K - $144.50K/yr

divh2NET Lead Software Developer/h2pIDEALFORCE has a contract position available immediately for a .NET Development Lead to join our customer in Phoenix Arizona. This is an onsite position. Please ...

Lead Software Developer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$157K - $223K/yr

As Lead Software Developer, you will work with a team to design, implement, and test systems software for advanced real-time signal processing applications for sonar, radar, electronic warfare ...

As Lead Software Developer, you will work with a team to design, implement, and test systems software for advanced real-time signal processing applications for sonar, radar, electronic warfare ...

Lead Software Developer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$157K - $223K/yr

As Lead Software Developer, you will work with a team to design, implement, and test systems software for advanced real-time signal processing applications for sonar, radar, electronic warfare ...

Lead Software Developer (RLT11) Design, develop, implement, test and deploy software applications. Analyze systems to ensure proper database architectures, coding standards, and that quality ...

Lead Software Developer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$131.40K - $164.80K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Software Developer with an active Secret clearance. The ideal candidate will be a technical and thought leader with a passion for modernizing legacy enterprise ...

Lead Software Developer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$131.40K - $164.80K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Lead Software Developer with an active Secret clearance. The ideal candidate will be a technical and thought leader with a passion for modernizing legacy enterprise ...

Lead Software Developer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$87.10K - $157.45K/yr

Leidos is seeking Lead Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems. This ...

Leidos is seeking Lead Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems. This ...

.NET Lead Software Developer(35647)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$115.20K - $144.50K/yr

NET Lead Software Developer to provide overall technical guidance in the evolution of a state government department of motor vehicle enterprise software application suite. This position will provide ...

Lead Software Developer

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$87.10K - $157.45K/yr

Leidos is seeking Lead Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems. This ...

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Lead Software Developer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

Collaborate with the Director of Software Engineering and business stakeholders to refine and deliver the product roadmap. * Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure ...

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Lead Software Developer information

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$80.5K

$131K

$171K

How much do lead software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software developer in the United States is $131,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Software Developer, you need advanced programming skills, in-depth knowledge of software development methodologies, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with code versioning tools (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and experience with project management tools are typically required, and certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Scrum Master can be advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality software solutions, driving team productivity, and ensuring project success.

What are some common challenges a Lead Software Developer faces when managing a development team?

As a Lead Software Developer, one of the most common challenges is balancing hands-on coding with mentoring and overseeing the team's work. You'll need to ensure effective communication among team members, resolve technical roadblocks, and keep projects on schedule while maintaining code quality. It's also important to support the professional growth of junior developers and foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing. Managing competing priorities and aligning technical solutions with business goals are ongoing aspects of the role.

What does a Lead Software Developer do?

A Lead Software Developer oversees the technical aspects of software development projects, guiding a team of developers to deliver high-quality software solutions. They are responsible for setting coding standards, designing system architecture, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the development process. Additionally, Lead Software Developers often coordinate with project managers, stakeholders, and other teams to align project goals and timelines. Their role combines hands-on coding with leadership, mentorship, and technical decision-making.
More about Lead Software Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Software Developer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Software Developer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Software Developer jobs? The top employers for Lead Software Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Lead Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Software Developer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Software Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,025 per year, or $63 per hour.
Lead Software Developer

Lead Software Developer

Leidos

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$125.30K - $157.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 425 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Lead Software Developer, who will be a member of a dynamic team in Gaithersburg, MD, working on the development/maintenance of software that improves aircraft runway and terminal congestion.

Nationwide congestion is increasing, and the need for efficient aircraft traffic planning is critical. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) is the surface management solution that will provide NextGen Air Traffic Control capabilities to improve air traffic operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). The Terminal Flight Data Management (TFDM) program is a Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) NextGen program based on airport surface management that provides efficiency for both the airport surface and terminal airspace by providing a new and comprehensive integrated surface traffic control and management system. We are a team of forward-looking professionals in need of a strong candidate with these key required skills: Modern Development (PHP, Python, Java), Structured Data (XML, XSD, XSLT, JSON, CSV), Agile / Scrum development, Drupal, relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle).


TFDM functions include Surface Collaborative Decision making (SCDM), departure scheduler and other airport decision tools Electronic Flight Data (EFD); Enhanced Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Traffic Flow Management System (TFMS) Replacement or integration of multiple systems in the National Airspace System (NAS). TFDM will share data among controllers, aircraft operators, and airports so they can better stage arrivals and departures and manage traffic flow within terminal airspace for greater efficiency. Stakeholders will have a shared awareness of flights on the ground and in the air, the ability to exchange data electronically, with the goal of a continuous real-time picture of traffic volume and airport resources, making flights more efficient from gate to gate.

Responsibilities:

  • Architect, design, develop, and implement next-generation application using software engineering best practices in the latest technologies:
    • Infrastructure-as-Code and Configuration-as-Code (Terraform, Ansible)
    • Content Management System (Drupal, WordPress)
    • DevOps and CI/CD tooling (Bamboo, Docker, SonarQube, Ansible)
  • Provide software expertise in one or more of these areas: application integration, RESTful services, Drupal administration, security, workflow automation, module integration, user experience (UX), and accessibility compliance (Section 508/WCAG/USDS standards).
  • Investigate and repair application defects regardless of component: automation, front-end, business logic, middleware, or database (PL/SQL and Data Modeling).
  • Brief management, customer, team, or vendors using written or oral skills at appropriate technical level for audience
  • All other duties as assigned or directed

FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS (Basic Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, engineering, or related technical discipline. Master's or Doctorate degree may substitute for required experience.
  • 5+ years of combined experience with modern software development (PHP, Python, Java)
  • 3+ years of combined experience with web development and building responsive UIs with modern front-end technologies
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

FACTORS TO HELP YOU SHINE (Required Skills)

These skills will help you succeed in this position:

  • Solid understanding of modern PHP frameworks (Drupal, Laravel, Symfony).
  • Experience developing modern PHP applications using object-oriented programming principles and contemporary PHP language features including typed properties and union types.
  • Proven experience designing, developing, and maintaining software applications used to create, validate, transform, and manage structured data formats including JSON, CSV, XML, XSD, and XSLT.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of XML schema design (XSD), XSLT transformations, and structured data validation techniques.
  • Experience with automated testing methodologies including unit, integration, and behavior-driven testing using tools such as PHPUnit, Behat/Cucumber, Selenium, or equivalent frameworks.
  • Solid knowledge of front-end technologies including HTML5, JavaScript/TypeScript, CSS3, and responsive UI development principles.
  • Strong experience in automating tasks with scripting languages like Bash, Shell, or Python
  • Experience in use of the UNIX and Linux operating systems
  • Experience using DevOps and CI/CD tools including Git/Bitbucket, Bamboo/Jenkins, SonarQube, and automated build/deployment pipelines.

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD (Desired Skills)

Showcase your knowledge of modern development through the following experience or skills:

  • Strong experience with Ansible Automation and authoring playbooks and roles for installing, maintaining, or upgrading platforms
  • Experience building, packaging, and deploying software applications in Linux environments using RPM-based distribution mechanisms.
  • Experience deploying or supporting applications in AWS cloud environments, related certifications.
  • Experience with AI assisted software development.
  • Experience using Atlassian collaboration and development tools including Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, and Bamboo.
  • Experience with relational databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL , and Oracle including SQL optimization and ORM technologies such as Doctrine or Eloquent.
  • Experience with FAA and air traffic domain knowledge.
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites

ATMC

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:May 15, 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 onlyand 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.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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