Software Engineer – Senior

As a Senior Software Engineer at Leidos, your primary responsibilities will include designing, developing, and maintaining critical software systems used in missile defense. You'll be involved in validating software through sprint testing, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and participating in code reviews. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers, ensuring the whole team's skill set improves over time.

To apply for the Senior Software Engineer position at Leidos, candidates should possess a Master's degree along with 6 to 10 years of relevant experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ and Java, as well as experience in developing micro-services and containerization, are essential. Candidates must also be U.S. citizens and able to obtain a Secret Clearance.

The work environment for the Senior Software Engineer at Leidos is fast-paced and highly technical, focusing on collaborative problem-solving. You'll be part of a dynamic team that emphasizes innovation and quality, with opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. Expect to work closely with talented engineers and interact with various stakeholders, ensuring the effective integration of software solutions.

For the Senior Software Engineer position at Leidos, proficiency in C++ and Java is essential. Additionally, experience with micro-services and containerization is highly valued, as these skills are critical for developing and maintaining the software that supports missile defense systems.

As a Senior Software Engineer at Leidos, you would be expected to mentor junior engineers and developers, guiding them through the development process and enhancing their technical skills. This mentoring aspect not only promotes individual growth but also contributes to the overall success and capability of the engineering team.

In responding to this question, provide specific examples of projects where you utilized C++ and Java. Highlight problems you solved, your role in the project, and any innovative techniques you applied. Discuss how these languages contributed to the project's success and your personal growth as a Software Engineer.

It’s essential to outline that you view software design and code reviews as collaborative processes. Talk about your method of documenting your design choices, the importance of peer feedback, and how constructive criticism can enhance the overall quality of software. Give an example of a time when feedback improved your code.

Here, you should detail your familiarity with Agile methodologies, including specific practices like sprints and stand-ups. Mention any tools you’ve used for Agile project management, and how you’ve contributed to a tangible outcome by adopting Agile principles in your previous roles.

Provide a concise story of a technical challenge, focusing on the problem-solving process. Discuss the steps you took to diagnose the issue, the solutions you considered, and the outcome of your efforts. This narrative can highlight critical thinking and adaptability.

For this question, emphasize your organizational skills. Discuss tools or methodologies you use for prioritization (like Agile sprints or Kanban boards), and explain how you communicate with your team to align on deadlines and resource management.

If applicable, talk about any experience you have in missile defense systems or related domains. Describe your role in projects involving such technologies, how they shaped your skills and understanding of the field, and any relevant successes you achieved.

Answer this by mentioning resources you utilize, such as online courses, webinars, coding challenges, and industry conferences. Show your commitment to continuous learning, which is especially important in a fast-evolving field like software engineering.

Provide a specific example showcasing your ability to break down complexity. Discuss the original issue, the thought process behind your simplification, and the end result. This could be an important indicator of your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Here, you could indicate your familiarity with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, or GitHub for documentation. Discuss the importance of keeping documentation up-to-date and precise, and how it facilitates better team collaboration and project follow-through.

Discuss your views on mentoring and how you would assess a junior developer's skills. Talk about the importance of setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive environment where they can feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.