Chief Software Architect

The Mission Solutions Business Area at Leidos seeks a highly experienced and visionary Chief Software Architect to join our team as a key leader in the design and development of cutting-edge software solutions. This critical role will involve providing technical leadership and guidance throughout the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring the architecture aligns with business goals, security requirements, and performance objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of security best practices within the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) environments, enabling them to effectively navigate the Authority to Operate (ATO) process and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This position requires strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, including customers, development teams, and security personnel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership:
  • Define and drive the overall technical architecture and design of complex software systems.
  • Ensure the architecture is scalable, maintainable, cost-effective, and aligned with business and security requirements.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams.
  • Research and evaluate emerging technologies and their potential impact on the organization.
• Security Architecture:
  • Design and implement secure software architectures that meet or exceed security requirements for IC/DoD environments.
  • Collaborate with security personnel (ISSOs, ISSMs) to address security concerns and navigate the ATO process.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant security standards and regulations, including the Risk Management Framework (RMF).
• Project Planning and Execution:
  • Work with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and timelines.
  • Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks and assign responsibilities to development teams.
  • Monitor project progress, identify and mitigate risks, and ensure timely and successful project delivery.
• Stakeholder Management:
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including customers, executives, and technical teams.
  • Present complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and partners.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess an active Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI and CI poly
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in software architecture and design, with a strong focus on enterprise-level systems.
• Experience in lieu of degree.
• Proven experience with and understanding of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and ATO process for IC/DoD customers.
• Demonstrated experience meeting security requirements and controls for IC/DoD customers.
• Experience working directly with customers to define requirements and create a roadmap.
• Demonstrated experience breaking down requirements into features for development teams.
• Experience briefing stakeholders on project updates and adapting to customer needs as challenges arise.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Understanding of the full software stack including front end Javascript frameworks, UI/UX, 3D graphical interfaces, middle tier integration, database layer, efficient backend processing, and embedded software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with DTRA, DIA, or other IC agencies’ Chief Information Officer (CIO) departments
• Experience contributing to DTRA or DIA interim authority to test (IATT) or authority to operate (ATO) processes
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and their security implications.
• Experience with microservices architectures and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with integrated software systems to include APIs, ETL and cross-application security practices (identity and credential management)
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AI/ML certifications).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001).
• Familiarity with Generative AI models and systems, and with CAD tools

Original Posting Date:

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:

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.