Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next challenge?

Leidos has an immediate opening for a software engineering manager to join our spacecraft and payload software development team in San Diego, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage your expertise in successfully deploying complex engineering projects, while contributing to our national defense mission.

What’s in it for you?

We are looking for people who thrive in fast-paced environments and have a passion for developing and delivering high-tech solutions. While being experienced with Space DNA who has worked on LEO, MEO, and GEO is important, and we value and welcome those with experience working for organizations like SDA, RCO, or DARPA, we are most excited about candidates who have demonstrated success in delivering complex, reliable space systems under tight timelines.

If you enjoy solving challenging technical problems in a dynamic and innovative environment this job in sunny San Diego is for you!

THE CHALLENGE (primary responsibilities)

• Software engineering management for a product line of space payloads across multiple programs.

• Provide EACs, weekly status, monitor labor and expenses.

• Collaborate with an Integrated Product Team lead, scrum masters, software, firmware, and test leads.

• Work with program management, purchasing, systems engineering, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.

• Work with financial and contracting teams to develop BOEs and RFP submissions.

WHAT SETS YOU APART (basic qualifications)

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering or related field

• 12+ years work experience including software management

• Experience working in and leading engineering teams in an Agile environment.

• Experience with EVMS methodology, IMS’s, software estimation and planning.

• Experience with risk management.

• Experience in source code control, bug tracking, task management tools.

• Experience with requirements and architecture development.

• Experience with MBSE approach and tools.

• Experience with control and review boards, CCB’s, ERB’s.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of embedded software development and challenges.

• Knowledge of adaptive image processing, trackers, RTOS’s a plus.

• Knowledge of configuration management, document control.

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:

February 17, 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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

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.