Leidos

Principal Systems Engineer

Columbia, MD Full time

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer in our National Security Sector's (NSS) Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA).  Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management.

At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.  Join us and make a difference in National Security

Job Summary:

As a Principal Systems Engineer you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining enterprise-level systems that support mission-critical operations. You will work with FORNSAT systems,  and various GOTS products, ensuring seamless virtualization, Linux environments, and systems of systems integration.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical direction and hands-on expertise for the development, engineering, integration, and testing of hardware/software RF and FORNSAT systems.
  • Architect, configure, and maintain systems utilizing GOTS products.
  • Provide virtualization support, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
  • Administer and troubleshoot Linux-based environments, ensuring high availability and security compliance.
  • Manage, maintain, and deploy GOTS (Government Off-The-Shelf) products, integrating them within complex system architectures.
  • Oversee Windows Server administration, including performance tuning, security enhancements, and automation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust system design and operational efficiency.
  • Develop and implement best practices for system security, monitoring, and documentation.

Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's degree in a Qualified Engineering Field or a related discipline from an accredited college or university plus twenty (20) years of systems engineering experience. OR A High School Diploma or GED plus twenty-five (25) years of general systems engineering experience (any process area).
  • Experience with FORNSAT systems and Systems Integration
  • Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with polygraph security clearance

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you – apply today

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We’re not looking for perfectly polished resumes or perfect fits. We’re looking for people who break limits, ask hard questions, and don’t wait to be told what’s next. At Leidos, we’re not following the roadmap — we’re redrawing it. 

Original Posting:

November 12, 2025

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 $148,850.00 - $269,075.00

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.