Principal Java Developer
At a glance
Senior Backend Engineering role at Leidos. Bethesda · full-time · $131,300–$237,350 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build, test and support scalable Java and Spring microservices for customer IT needs
- Shape backend design, review teammates’ code and help them develop their skills
- Set up software validation with JUnit and Katalon, using automated deployment methods
- Prototype and launch cloud solutions, test their performance and coordinate related infrastructure
- Align Agile user stories with customer use cases and deploy build artifacts across environments
What you bring
- You have deep experience with Java, Spring, microservices, REST APIs and relational or NoSQL databases
- You bring experience with commercial cloud platforms, cloud data services, DevOps practices and version control
- You have used JUnit and Python or Bash for testing in an Agile development setting
- You need a bachelor's degree and twelve years of relevant experience, or a master's and ten years; more experience can replace the degree
- An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required
Who this fits
This senior backend role suits someone ready to guide architecture, review code and mentor teammates. The job is based in Bethesda and requires an active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.
From the employer
Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Java Developer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area. 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
A Java developer on this program provides Agile development and operations and maintenance for mission critical systems. Based in DevOps framework, this role participates in major deliverables of projects through all aspects of the software development lifecycle including scope and work estimation, architecture and design, coding and unit testing.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, test and maintain high-performance, scalable backend microservices using Java and the Spring Framework to meet customer information technology needs.
- Participates in software programming initiatives, shaping backend architecture, mentoring team members, and conducting code reviews.
- Develops and directs software system validation and testing methods using Junit and Katalon and uses integrated custom developed software solutions to leverage automated deployment technologies
- Develop, prototype and deploy solutions within a cloud-based platform leveraging platform services.
- Analyze (though proof of concept, performance, and end-to-end testing) and effectively coordinate Infrastructure needs driven by developed software to meet customer mission needs
- Support the Agile software development lifecycle following Program SAFe practices while coordinating closely with team members, Product Owners and Scrum Masters to ensure User Story alignment and implementation to customer use cases
- Document and perform systems software development, including deployment of build artifacts across different environments leveraging GitFlow constructs and using industry leading DevOps tools like GitHub, Jenkins, and scripting (e.g., python, bash)
- Apply and identify software development best practices and standard operating procedures creating innovative solutions to meet the technical needs of customers.
Basic Qualifications:
- In-depth experience in common Agile practices, service-orientated environments, and development practices
- In-depth experience with Java and the Spring Framework, microservices architecture and design patterns, implementing RESTful APIs, and integrating with relational and NoSQL databases.
- In-depth experience integrating with and delivering within DevOps toolsets/practices
- Direct experience utilizing software testing performance tools, such as Junit and scripting languages, such as Python, and Bash while working in an Agile development environment
- In-depth experience with development in Commercial Cloud Platforms (ex, AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and leveraging cloud data services (ex: S3, RDS, EFS)
- In-depth experience using version control systems and issue/problem tracking systems
- Bachelor’s degree with 12 or more years of prior relevant experience or Master’s degree with 10 or more years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
- To be considered must have an active TS/SCI with polygraph security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with writing software that interfaces with data technologies like Elasticsearch, Postgres, DynamoDB, Kafka, AWS SQS/SNS, AWS Lambda, and AWS S3.
- Experience with SAFe development practices
#CABARESTON
#ASBA
#HALO
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:
January 21, 2026For 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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00The 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.