Lead Software Engineer Jobs in McLean, VA

Job Description
We’re hiring a Software Developer who brings human-centered UX best practices to complex, secure enterprise systems. You’ll join a team developing end-to-end architectures with clean interfaces, design resilient user journeys and design systems, and ensure experiences are usable, accessible, and performant bringing DevSecOps rigor and mentoring teammates. This role involves leadership in the technical framework as well as engagement with stakeholders whom will utilize the interfaces and applications developed.
Serve as a technical leader within the Chief Innovation Strategy Organization (CSO) in McLean, VA. We want technical leaders with visionary solutions, can tame complex technical problems, and set the standard for engineering excellence across a wide spectrum of software disciplines.
To maximize growth and ensure agility in changing markets, our leadership is evolving our structure and assembling our top talent into a unified engineering engine designed to outpace emerging challenges and drive sector-wide advancement. You will be a primary driver of that mission, charting technical pathways, leading high-impact initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
You won't be weighed down by bureaucratic stagnation. You’ll join a culture that values bold technical risks, rewards creative engineering, and gives senior leaders the authority to shape the future of our technical and strategic software portfolio. Join a rapidly growing organization, scaling our agentic construction of capabilities, serving our customers and ourselves leveraging advanced frameworks. You will be important to continue evolving with and ahead of the market.

Opportunity
We are hiring a Software Developer to act as a technical pillar across our multi-disciplinary portfolios. This position is a role focused on Systems & UX Design with opportunity to learn and expand your scope. You will own the architecture and execution of high-visibility systems, providing leadership across:

• Advanced UX Designs, Agentic Framework Implementation Models and Tools
• Advanced System Architecture & Full-Stack Software Engineering
• Complex AI/ML Service Integration & Agentic System Design
• Enterprise-Grade Cloud Infrastructure, Automation, and CI/CD Pipelines
• Multi-Platform Enterprise Integration (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Splunk, Custom Ecosystems)

Responsibilities

• Design & Implement End-to-End Features – Build scalable solutions, ensuring seamless integration between front-end interfaces, back-end logic, and underlying data or AI/ML services.
• Optimize Performance & CI/CD – Enhance application performance, streamline deployment friction, and implement robust CI/CD best practices across development pipelines.
• Scope Technical Pathways – Collaborate directly with Principal Investigators (PIs), strategists, and technical leadership to scope technical requirements, evaluate feasibility, and architect solutions for incoming initiatives.
• Mentor & Guide Junior Developers – Lead by example, mentoring junior developers in AI-native engineering practices, modern workflows, and clean code principles.
• Drive Technical Excellence – Conduct code reviews, troubleshoot complex production bottlenecks, and ensure architectural consistency across multi-domain projects.

What We Are Looking For – The Essentials

• Mastery of Software Engineering Principles – Deep expertise in multiple languages (such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Rust, Java, or C++), microservices architecture, cloud to embedded and distributed systems design.
• Collaborative Leadership – Demonstrated success in technical teams, partnering with research or product stakeholders, and elevating the capabilities of surrounding engineers.
• UX Engineering – Leadership and operational models for solving UX design addressing complex government workflows, addressing complex data engineering requirements as well as broad compliance requirements such as 508.
• DevSecOps & Infrastructure Leadership – Understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Ansible), and enterprise-grade CI/CD pipelines. Design for accreditation and deployment is key.
• Track Record – History of success in teams, delivery of viable systems from start to finish, adapting to changing tools and frameworks. Be prepared to share lessons learned.

A Modern Mindset – Your Growth Edge

• AI-Integrated Engineer – You routinely leverage AI-assisted development tools and LLMs to optimize architecture, automate testing, and accelerate delivery timelines.
• Proactive Innovator – Constantly exploring new technology stacks, keeping pace with industry advancements, and bringing fresh ideas to the team.

Character & Culture

• Ownership Mentality – Takes complete responsibility for the stability, scalability, and quality of delivered features.
• Intellectual Honesty – Transparently evaluates risks, communicates technical trade-offs clearly, and drives practical solutions.
• Mission-Driven & Competitive – Deeply committed to delivering bulletproof technical solutions that solve critical operational challenges.
• Generous Team Member – Earns respect through technical depth, emotional intelligence, and an active commitment to mentoring and uplifting others.

Working Conditions

• Onsite in McLean, VA. Flexible work and time options.
• Occasional travel to other BAE Systems sites, partner facilities, and stakeholder meetings.
• Reports to: Sr. Director, Capability Development.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience: 2–5 years of professional software development experience.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's degree or equivalent practical experience is a plus).
• Experience executing rapid-cycle R&D in defense, aerospace, advanced prototyping, or adjacent mission areas.
• Experience with of AI/ML frameworks and human-machine teaming.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. TS/SCI Preferred.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Deep fluency in at least two of the following: Software Engineering, AI Harness Engineering, Cybersecurity, Systems Engineering, Hardware/Firmware/Embedded Systems.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.



About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.