Chief Software Architect (CSA) Leidos

Skills / Requirements

• Agentic Workflows
• AI-assisted Development
• AI/ML Systems
• Automated Security Tooling
• Cloud-native Architectures
• Cyber Reasoning Systems
• Cyber Security
• Data Fusion
• DevSecOps
• Digital Twins
• Distributed Systems
• Executive Communication
• Graph-based Architectures
• IC Stakeholder Influence
• Multi-INT Platforms
• Platform-based Architectures
• Secure Software Systems
• Simulation Environments
• Software Architecture
• Vibe Coding

Why Apply

This role is ideal for someone adept at using AI tools like LLMs to enhance software development. You'll leverage AI-assisted development paradigms to increase developer velocity and drive platform-centric architectures.

What You'll Be Doing

You'll define and implement software architecture strategies, focusing on AI-enabled and agentic systems for the Intelligence Community. Collaborate with sector leaders to deliver secure, scalable platforms and lead the transition to AI-native development.

Pay and Career Growth

The role offers a competitive salary range from $154,050 to $278,475, reflecting the senior-level responsibilities. Leidos provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health programs, paid leave, and retirement plans. You'll have the opportunity to influence high-stakes projects within the Intelligence Community.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave
• Retirement

Is This Role Right for You?

Original Job Description

Description

The Intel Sector Office of Technology (OOT) has an opening for a Chief Software Architect (CSA) to lead software architecture strategy, standards, and execution across the Sector.

Position Summary:

The Intel Sector CSA will be responsible for defining and driving next-generation, mission-ready software architectures that integrate intelligence tradecraft, mission software, cyber, and multi-INT capabilities at speed and scale.

This leader will bring an understanding of US Intelligence Community (IC) architecture, mission platforms, and modern software engineering practices to deliver secure, AI-enabled, and operationally deployable systems across all Sector Business Areas (BAs).

The CSA will partner with the Sector and BA CTOs, AI Lead, Solution Architects, and the Sector’s community of developers to architect and deliver platform-based, reusable, and composable software ecosystems that accelerate mission outcomes and differentiate Leidos in the Intelligence Community. The CSA will also collaborate with Leidos SW Accelerator resources and peer teams across other Sectors to leverage evolving and mature patterns found elsewhere in the company for us in the IC.

This role is central to advancing the Sector’s shift toward:

• Platform-centric architectures

• Agentic AI-enabled workflows and mission systems

• Rapid, AI-assisted software development and deployment

• Integrated multi-INT, TCPED, and cyber capabilities

Aligned to Sector priorities, the CSA will enable delivery of “ready-now” mission software that meets customer expectations for speed, resilience, and operational impact.

Key Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Defining the Sector’s SW architecture strategy by ensuring alignment with business strategy, IC architectures, environments, and constraints. Maturing platforms used inside the Sector and across Leidos that support Multi-INT data fusion and analytics, Mission software and cyber, and AI-enabled and agentic systems. Driving transition from system-centric to platform-centric architectures, enabling reuse and interoperability

• Leading the Sector’s transition to AI-Native & Modern Software Development by leveraging LLM-powered development (code generation, review, testing). Establishing Agentic AI frameworks for mission workflows, and championing “vibe coding” and AI-assisted development paradigms to Increase developer velocity and reduce cost and time-to-delivery

The CSA will support Growth, Capture, and Customer Engagement by serving as the lead software architect for priority captures and proposals, including shaping differentiated, architecture-led solutions and defining technical baselines and solution roadmaps. The CSA will engage directly with IC and DoD customers to influence requirements and architectures and demonstrate mission-ready platforms and prototypes. Helping lead Leidos to more non-traditional acquisitions (OTA, CSO, etc.) with rapid prototyping will be critical to success.

As a leader in the Sector, the CSA will build and lead a Sector-wide software architecture community of practice. They will mentor solution architects and engineers in modern architecture patterns, AI-enabled development, and mission-focused design.

In collaboration with Leidos OOT, SW Accelerator, CIO, and partner Sectors, the CSA will establish reusable architecture patterns, code libraries and frameworks, and platform services

Above all, the CSA will ensure the Intel Sector’s SW solutions are innovative and create revolutionary gains in efficiency and effectiveness. They will help with rapid transition of IRAD and Contract R&D (CRAD) prototypes into operational systems, and will lead demonstrations and prototypes to outpace competitors and disrupt the market

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience). Additional years may be used in lieu of a degree.

• 15+ years of experience in software architecture and engineering for mission-critical systems

• 7+ years supporting U.S. Intelligence Community or DoD programs

• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering:

o Large-scale distributed systems

o Cloud-native and edge architectures

o DevSecOps pipelines and secure software systems

• Experience with:

o AI/ML systems, including LLMs and agentic workflows

o Multi-INT or data fusion platforms

o Cyber and secure system architectures

• Proven ability to lead architecture for large capture and proposal efforts

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

Desired Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of NSG architecture, IC enterprise systems, and GEOINT ecosystems

• Experience modernizing TCPED workflows and analyst platforms

• Experience with:

o Graph-based architectures and knowledge systems

o Digital twins and simulation environments

o Cyber reasoning systems and automated security tooling

• Demonstrated success implementing:

o Platform-based architectures

o AI-assisted software development practices

• Experience working with:

o NGA, NRO, NSA, DIA, ODNI environments

• Strong executive communication and ability to influence senior IC stakeholders

• Proven “triple-threat” leadership traits (technical, business, and mission acumen) aligned with Sector expectations

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:

April 16, 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 $154,050.00 – $278,475.00

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.

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 (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/) .

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.

REQNUMBER: R-00180995

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.