Systems and Software Engineering Manager – Air Traffic Systems

Company: Leidos
Location: Gaithersburg
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Locations: Gaithersburg, MD | Eagan, MN | Egg Harbor Township, NJ Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days onsite / 2 remote) Leidos is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead a systems and software team supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Time Based Flow Management (TBFM) program. TBFM is a critical decision-support system that enables efficient aircraft sequencing by shifting from distance-based spacing to time-based metering. This capability reduces airborne holding, increases airspace capacity, and enables more fuel-efficient continuous descent approaches. As air traffic demand continues to grow nationwide, this system plays a key role in modernizing air traffic operations. What You’ll Do Lead a team of software and systems engineers responsible for the design, development, integration, and verification of Air Traffic Control systems Own delivery execution, including schedule, risks, defects, and technical milestones , ensuring alignment with FAA program objectives Drive end-to-end systems integration , ensuring requirements are testable, traceable, and aligned across software and system components Partner with technical leads to conduct architecture and design reviews (this is a leadership role with technical oversight, not day-to-day coding) Improve engineering execution by identifying and removing bottlenecks across development, integration, and test workflows Manage staffing, workload planning, and team performance , including leading geographically distributed teams Interface directly with FAA stakeholders and internal leadership, providing clear status, risks, and technical recommendations Oversee development of key engineering artifacts such as requirements verification matrices, integration plans, and test reports Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of experience (or Master’s with 6) in software, systems, or related engineering fields Experience leading engineering teams delivering complex software-intensive systems Experience managing schedule, scope, risks, and cost (CAM or similar responsibilities) Experience with large-scale system integration involving software and systems components Strong communication skills with the ability to interface with technical teams and external customers (FAA or similar stakeholders) Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust and approval from the FAA U.S. Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications Experience managing distributed or hybrid teams Background in Air Traffic Management, aviation systems, or FAA programs Experience with requirements engineering, verification/validation, and system integration practices Prior technical experience in Java or C++ environments (ability to engage in architectural discussions and technical decision-making) Experience introducing process improvements across development and integration workflows Familiarity with modern engineering practices (e.g., automated testing, CI/CD, or DevSecOps) in regulated environments Why This Role Lead a mission-critical national system impacting air traffic efficiency across the U.S. Own both people leadership and technical delivery on a high-visibility FAA program Work at the intersection of software, systems engineering, and real-world operational impact 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: March 31, 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 $107,900.00 - $195,050.00 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.

Keywords: Leidos, Columbia , Systems and Software Engineering Manager – Air Traffic Systems, Engineering , Gaithersburg, Maryland