Leidos’ Digital Sector/Global Solutions Management-Operations II (GSMO-II) contract has an opening for a Network Software Engineer Lead located in the Scott AFB, IL area.  The Software Engineer Lead will be the primary systems manager for the release and deployment of new software tools using the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform, Python, and other software languages to sustain and manage a Carrier-class Wide Area Network supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency under the Department of War. Additionally, the position will offer the candidate an opportunity to engage in network engineering using knowledge of routing and system fundamentals in an ISP level network environment. This position is ideal for a networking professional with software development experience looking to expand their level of responsibility and showcase their skills in a fast paced and technically challenging role.

Primary Responsibilities-

• Lead the design, development, documentation, testing and release of software written in Python, XML, and other languages for use with the Cisco Network Services Orchestrator (NSO) platform.
• Integrate software with network devices, including Cisco ASR9K and Juniper MX series routers.
• Perform engineering tasks related to the design, implementation, and integration of network changes and sustainment of customer systems in a Wide Area Network environment.
• Conduct planning and performance of analytical research, design development, and other tasks to align with customer specifications.
• Ensure efficient delivery of contract capabilities using industry standards and repeatable processes.
• Mitigate risks, control costs and schedule variance, and effectively manage large scale, integrated projects.
• Direct and perform a variety of analytical tasks which include hardware and software design and implementation.
• Proactively and independently identify, report, monitor, and mitigate technical risks. Provide guidance to lower-level engineers when they identify risks or issues.
• Frequently communicate and collaborate with other team members and upper management to ensure successful completion of project objectives.
• Mentor and act as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) resource for lower-level engineers.

Basic Qualifications-

• Currently possess an active DoD Secret clearance or higher

• Currently possess DoD 8750 certification at IAT level II, Security+ CE or equivalent to meet requirement.
• Python software development experience that includes REST api development, as well as the parsing, generation and validation of JSON.
• Experience with distributed version control software such as Git and Bitbucket.
• Experience developing software on a Linux platform.
• Experience troubleshooting and configuring IP networks using at least one of the following routing methods: BGP, ISIS, OSPF, and/or Static routing.
• Experience with either service provider or enterprise IP networks using an interface on Cisco (ESR and ASR) and/or Juniper routers.
• Strong communication skills that enable proactive and effective collaboration with a team.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles, theories, and concepts of Software Engineering.

Preferred Qualifications-

• Proficient in Juniper and Cisco configuration, troubleshooting, and design.
• Experience with Cisco IOS XR, JUNOS, and Cisco IOS codes.
• Network configuration experience, specifically with Juniper or Cisco routers, to include protocols such as BGP, MPLS, VPLS, Pseudowires and QoS.
• Certifications with major network system vendors such as Cisco are a strong plus
• Experience developing XML and/or object-oriented programming.
• Experience developing software using SDN modeling languages and protocols such as YANG, NETCONF and RESTCONF.
• Full software lifecycle experience (design, development, test, deployment), including deployment to a production environment.
• Experience developing software including the ability to quickly learn new technologies.
• Experience creating software design artifacts, including the creation of functional, technical, and architectural design documentation as well as test cases and installation, deployment and configuration documentation.
• Software Defined Networking experience, particularly experience with Cisco NSO.
• Possessing project, technical, interpersonal, presentation and problem management skills.

Required Education and Experience-

• Requires BS degree and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.  May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.

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Original Posting:

July 23, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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.