Leidos Defense Systems Sector is seeking a talented Configuration Manager (CM) SME to join a diverse team to create unique solutions for complex problems. With offices across the United States engaging in the defense, space, cyber and commercial fields. Leidos Defense Systems provides responsive, cost-effective engineering, scientific and IT solutions.
Primary Responsibilities
The Configuration Management Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the senior authority responsible for the strategy, governance, and execution of configuration and change management for a large, complex program. This role combines deep design engineering experience with advanced configuration and data management expertise to ensure accurate product definition, controlled change implementation, and lifecycle integrity from development through production, fielding and maintenance.
The Configuration Management SME provides technical and functional leadership over program-assigned Configuration Management Analysts, Configuration Management Data Analysts and Product Configuration Managers, establishing and enforcing standardized processes for configuration identification, control, status accounting, and verification in alignment with corporate standards, industry standards, program requirements and customer expectations. This individual is accountable for maintaining the integrity of product structures, including As-Designed, As-Built, As-Maintained, and As-Configured baselines, ensuring full traceability across hardware, software, and system-level configurations throughout the program lifecycle.
A key responsibility of this role is serving as the programs SME in change and effectivity management. This includes developing and executing strategies for incorporating engineering changes into units in production and fielded systems, managing serial number effectivity, and planning phased implementations and retrofit activities. The Configuration Management SME ensures that changes are introduced in a controlled, efficient manner that minimizes disruption to production, supply chain, and field operations while maintaining compliance and product integrity. The SME will collaborate with program technical leads to develop product roadmaps and cut-in strategies for technology insertions and pre-planned product improvements (P3I)
This role works closely with program leadership and cross-functional teamsincluding engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, logistics, and customer stakeholders, to resolve complex configuration issues, drive alignment between design intent and delivered product, and support program execution objectives. The Configuration Management SME oversees Product Lifecycle Management system activities at the program level, including governance of product structures, item records, and change records (e.g., CDRLs, SDRLs), ensuring completeness, accuracy, and proper authorization.
Additionally, the Configuration Management SME is responsible for implementing and tailoring program CM policies and processes to meet program-specific needs while maintaining corporate compatibility for AS9100 compliance, leading audits and compliance activities, and driving continuous improvement of CM practices within the program. Operating in a dynamic environment, this role provides both strategic direction and hands-on leadership to ensure configuration control excellence across all phases of the program lifecycle.
Basic Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Preference shown to candidates who have experience and/or working knowledge with:
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Original Posting:
May 12, 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 $116,350.00 - $210,325.00
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.