Java software developer Jobs in Newport News, VA

Leidos, a global technology leader, is seeking a Combat Coder for our Sentinel program, supporting the United States Air Force in geographically distributed intelligence operations. Combat Coders directly support mission objectives by integrating data sources and interfaces quickly while being embedded with the user base.

As a Combat Coder you will engage directly with our customers to build and modify all aspects of full-stack applications. Your contributions will move directly to production systems and get immediate feedback. You will be working with a small elite team of developers that focus on getting things done to support the mission.

Join Leidos in our mission to enhance global security and efficiency through technology and innovation. Be part of a team that champions Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, Agility, Collaboration, and Commitment. If you're ready to drive critical software deliveries, apply now to join Leidos as a Combat Coder for the Sentinel program!

About the Role:

We’re seeking a Combat Coder — a highly skilled, adaptable full stack developer who thrives in challenging, disconnected, and resource constrained environments. You’ll be building and integrating mission critical systems using Python, Apache NiFi, and other modern tools, often without the luxury of constant connectivity. This is not a “sit behind a desk and push commits” role — it’s for someone who loves solving hard problems in the field, under pressure, and with creativity.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• You’ll work on high impact projects where your code directly supports critical missions.
• You’ll be part of a tight knit, elite engineering team that values skill, creativity, and adaptability.
• You’ll face real technical challenges that push your abilities far beyond the ordinary

Primary Responsibilities:

• Integrate systems and data flows using Python, NiFi, and other integration frameworks.
• Engineer resilient solutions that can operate in austere, bandwidth limited, or air gapped conditions.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams to rapidly prototype and deliver mission critical capabilities.
• Troubleshoot and optimize code and workflows in real time, often with incomplete information.
• Document and harden solutions for long term maintainability in the field.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree with 12+ years of experience or a Masters Degree with 10+ years of experience. Additional experience maybe considered in lieu of a degree.
• US Citizen with at least an active TS/SCI clearance and the ability to maintain your clearance during your employment with Leidos.
• Proven full stack development experience.
• Strong Python skills and experience with Apache NiFi or similar dataflow/integration tools.
• Comfort working in disconnected or degraded network environments — you know how to make things work without cloud dependencies.
• Solid understanding of APIs, data pipelines, and system integration patterns.
• Creative problem solver who thrives on tackling complex, ambiguous challenges.
• Self starter who can operate independently and deliver under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of source control such as Gitlab and others

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using JEMA and ARC GIS
• Experience with DevOps in air gapped environments.
• Background in secure coding practices and cyber resilient architectures.
• Prior work in mission critical, defense, or field operations.

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:

November 18, 2025

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 $126,100.00 - $227,950.00

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.