Principal Software Developer Kafka

Leidos is seeking a Principal Software Developer / Kafka Architect to join a high performing team, leading the digital modernization of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Terminal Flight Data Manager (TFDM) platform. TFDM is a critical FAA NextGen program that improves aircraft surface and terminal operations by enabling more efficient runway and airspace management, helping reduce congestion across the National Airspace System (NAS).

We are a team of forward-looking professionals in need of a strong candidate with these key required skills: Software Development (Java/C++/Python), Kafka, Containerization, , AI/AI Assisted Development.

This position can be remote, however, preference will be given to those who are local to and can work 3 days a week in one of the following locations: Gaithersburg, MD; Atlantic City, NJ; or Eagan, MN.

Responsibilities:

• Architect, design, develop, and implement next-generation application using software engineering best practices in the latest technologies:

  • AI-Leveraged Development (agentic coding tools like Claude Code, multi-agent orchestration, MCP-based tool integration, RAG, context engineering, AI evals/guardrails) 

  • Data Streaming (Apache Flink, Kafka Streams, ksqlDB, Kafka Connect, real-time data processing)

  • Infrastructure-as-Code (CloudFormation / Terraform, Ansible)

  • Containerization and Platform-as-a-Service (Docker, OpenShift/Kubernetes)

• Use extensive knowledge in multiple development languages, software development and system design best practices, Kafka/data streaming, automation and configuration tools, testing, tool integrations, AI, and communication to modernize TFDM platform.

• Provide architectural oversight to support the development team’s software development, Kafka/data streaming, integration, test automation, security testing, and deployments.

• Provide architectural oversight, hands-on software expertise, and mentoring in these areas: modern application integration, Kafka/data streaming, service oriented architectures (SOA), security, business process management/business rules processing, CI/CD pipeline and containerization, reporting, and user experience (UX).

• Investigate and repair application defects regardless of component: Kafka/data streaming, CI/CD pipeline, front-end, business logic, middleware or backend.

• Brief executive leadership (internally or client) regarding matters of significant importance to the organization/project 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.

• 12+ years of experience with full lifecycle development

• 3+ years of combined hands-on experience designing, developing, and supporting Apache Kafka or other streaming data solutions in production environments, including event-driven architectures, topic design, scalability, reliability, and performance optimization.

• 7+ years of combined experience of software development (Java, C++, or Python)

• Experience with AI-Leveraged Development (agentic coding tools like Claude Code, multi-agent orchestration, MCP-based tool integration, RAG, context engineering, AI evals/guardrails)

• Experience working in Agile software development environments.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

• Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed

FACTORS TO HELP YOU SHINE (Required Skills)

These skills will help you succeed in this position:

• Extensive understanding and experience with designing and developing software with Java and at least one additional language such as C++, or Python

• Strong understanding of object-oriented design, software architecture, design patterns, distributed systems, and modern software engineering best practices.

• Experience modernizing legacy applications using containerized solutions on OpenShift / Kubernetes

• Hands-on experience developing event-driven applications and at least one event processing framework, such as Kafka Streams, Apache Flink, or ksqlDB.

• Expert-level hands-on production experience designing, deploying, tuning, and troubleshoot