Software Engineer, Embedded Software Engineer, Robotics

Software Engineer I (Robotics / Autonomous Systems)

Location: McLean, VA (Onsite)

Duration: 6 months (extension possible)

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: 40 hours/week

Security Clearance: Public Trust (offer contingent upon obtaining clearance)

The Software Engineer I supports the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software for software-intensive systems and products, with a focus on robotics and autonomous systems. This role works under supervision on less complex assignments while applying established software engineering principles, tools, and processes across the full software development lifecycle. The position supports a large Department of Transportation program in an onsite, highly collaborative engineering environment.

• Design, develop, test, troubleshoot, and debug software enhancements and new software-intensive systems.
• Apply appropriate software engineering principles, standards, processes, and tools throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Perform software requirements analysis and assess hardware/software compatibility.
• Develop software products and tools used for system design, development, and infrastructure/platform maintenance.
• Design and implement software packages using Python in a Linux environment.
• Develop unit tests and integration tests in support of continuous integration pipelines.
• Implement interface adapters to convert data between formats (e.g., JSON to XML).
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to break down project goals into software design, implementation, and testing tasks.
• Use Git as a version control system for developed software.
• Review software code and documentation produced by others and provide constructive feedback.
• Communicate with peers to explain technical facts, basic analysis, processes, and practices related to assigned work.

• Basic understanding of robotics and autonomous systems technologies.
• Experience designing and implementing software using Python in a Linux environment.
• Experience developing unit tests and integration tests for continuous integration.
• Experience implementing data interface adapters (e.g., JSON to XML).
• Experience working in cross-functional engineering teams.
• Proficiency using Git for version control.
• Ability to review software and technical documentation and provide constructive input.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts to peers.

• Experience designing, implementing, and testing software written in C++ in a Linux environment.
• Extensive knowledge of robotics and autonomous systems technologies, techniques, architectures, and algorithms.
• Experience reviewing published research papers and prototyping algorithms or approaches in software.
• Experience designing or extending software architectures, including defining module interfaces and architectural patterns.
• Ability to evaluate software design approaches and tools and recommend solutions.
• Experience developing software design and architecture documentation (e.g., Interface Control Documents, Software Architecture Design Documents).
• Experience developing software in an Agile framework using tools such as JIRA and Confluence.

• Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering or related field (including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Controls, Aerospace, or similar)
  or equivalent practical experience
  .
• Less than 2 years of prior relevant professional experience.
• Ability to work onsite in McLean, VA.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (offer contingent upon clearance).

The role supports a Department of Transportation program within Leidos’ Health and Civil business. The team operates in an onsite, open-concept workspace with a highly collaborative culture, emphasizing hands‑on development. A typical workday includes approximately 80% software development and coding, with the remaining time spent in collaborative technical discussions and required administrative tasks.