About the role
Job Description: Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). 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! Program Summary Leidos supports critical missions within the Directorate of Operations and Directorate of Cybersecurity, delivering systems engineering solutions that enable cryptanalysis, foreign intelligence operations, and protection of National Security Systems. Our team explores, designs, and integrates emerging technologies to provide the nation with a decisive advantage over adversaries. Job Summary We're seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to define technical vision and lead large-scale systems engineering initiatives supporting DO and CSD missions. You'll establish architectural direction for emerging technologies, conduct strategic analysis of alternatives, and serve as senior technical advisor to Government stakeholders while driving innovation in cryptologic and cybersecurity capabilities. Primary Responsibilities Define technical vision and architectural approaches for complex cryptologic and cybersecurity systems Lead strategic requirements analysis, solution design, and value modeling for emerging technologies Conduct comprehensive analysis of alternatives and risk assessments for mission-critical systems Develop enterprise-level CONOPs, system architectures, and technical documentation Provide senior technical oversight for integration, testing, and deployment of complex systems Establish and enforce systems engineering methodologies aligned with NSA policies and best practices Serve as senior technical advisor to Government stakeholders; mentor engineering teams Assess and improve organizational processes to facilitate strategic mission objectives Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering plus 10 years of relevant experience, OR Master's plus 8 years, OR Doctoral plus 6 years Alternatively: Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics with equivalent experience For non-ABET programs: degree must include differential and integral calculus plus 5 of 18 specified technical areas* Active TS/SCI with polygraph clearance required Proven senior technical leadership on complex, large-scale cryptologic or cybersecurity programs Deep expertise in requirements engineering, analysis of alternatives, and value modeling Experience establishing technical vision and driving architectural innovation Ability to work in a SCIF environment and travel CONUS/OCONUS as needed 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: October 2, 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.