Chief Software Architect (CSA)

Role

The Chief Software Architect (CSA) for the Intel Sector will define and drive software architecture strategy, standards, and execution across the Sector. The CSA will design and promote platform-centric, reusable, and composable software ecosystems that integrate intelligence tradecraft, mission software, cyber, multi-INT capabilities, and AI-enabled/agentic workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and align the Sector’s software architecture strategy with business priorities, IC architectures, and operational constraints.
• Mature and architect platforms supporting multi-INT data fusion, mission software, cyber, and AI-enabled systems.
• Lead transition from system-centric to platform-centric architectures enabling reuse and interoperability.
• Champion AI-native development, including LLM-powered code generation, review, testing, and agentic AI frameworks to increase developer velocity.
• Support growth, capture, and customer engagement by serving as lead software architect for priority proposals and captures; shape architecture-led solutions and technical baselines.
• Engage with IC and DoD stakeholders to influence requirements, demonstrate prototypes, and enable rapid transition of R&D into operational systems.
• Build and lead a Sector-wide software architecture community of practice; mentor solution architects and engineers.
• Collaborate with Leidos OOT, SW Accelerator, CIO, and peer sectors to establish reusable patterns, code libraries, frameworks, and platform services.

Requirements (Basic Qualifications)

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of experience in software architecture and engineering for mission-critical systems.
• 7+ years supporting U.S. Intelligence Community or DoD programs.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering large-scale distributed systems, cloud-native and edge architectures, and DevSecOps pipelines/secure software systems.
• Experience with AI/ML systems (including LLMs and agentic workflows), multi-INT or data fusion platforms, and cyber/secure system architectures.
• Proven ability to lead architecture for large capture and proposal efforts.
• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

Desired Qualifications

• Deep understanding of NSG architecture, IC enterprise systems, and GEOINT ecosystems.
• Experience modernizing TCPED workflows and analyst platforms.
• Experience with graph-based architectures and knowledge systems, digital twins and simulation environments, and cyber reasoning systems/automated security tooling.
• Demonstrated success implementing platform-based architectures and AI-assisted software development practices.
• Experience working with NGA, NRO, NSA, DIA, ODNI environments.
• Strong executive communication and ability to influence senior IC stakeholders; demonstrated technical/business/mission leadership.

Pay & Benefits (excerpt)

• Pay Range: $154,050.00 - $278,475.00 (USD).
• Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement.

Notes

• Role requires active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility and significant experience supporting U.S. Intelligence Community or DoD programs.
• The posting emphasizes rapid prototyping, non-traditional acquisition approaches (e.g., OTA), and transitioning prototypes into operational systems.