Resilient by Design: How Leidos is Redefining Digital Modernization

Although there is no formal definition for digital modernization, the term holds deep meaning throughout Leidos. By helping organizations leverage the cloud’s capabilities, accelerate through automation, improve data stewardship, and build a workforce culture that’s ready for modern digital solutions, Leidos spurs faster, smarter decision-making.  For some, transforming legacy systems into agile, data-driven platforms is easier said than done. But where others see obstacles, Paul Wilkinson, Leidos senior vice president and leader of the company’s Digital Modernization Practices sees opportunity. 

In a recent GovCon Conversation, Wilkinson shared his thoughts on digital modernization and explained how Leidos is helping organizations modernize with speed, agility, and resilience. 

Building a strong core of digital resilience

In early 2024, Leidos formed the Digital Modernization group, bringing together its advanced capabilities to deliver needed, integrated solutions. 

 “We wanted to put a fist around our digital modernization capabilities,” Wilkinson said. “That way, we deliver with greater speed, agility, and resilience.”

The Digital Modernization sector features six practices: application modernization, defensive cyber, enterprise digital experience, information advantage, resilient network, and secure cloud & data center. The practices collaborate with other Leidos sectors, offering a unified view of customer challenges and opportunities for integration.

Partnerships as a force multiplier

When it comes to accelerating innovation, Wilkinson is clear: technology partnerships make all the difference. 

“Strategic partnerships give us access to innovative commercial technology that we can integrate and harden for government use,” he said.

Through collaborations with commercial technology providers, Leidos combines mission expertise with industry innovation to bring powerful capabilities to customers.

For example, Leidos and a partner co-developed Data ConnectiV, a cloud-native data mesh solution that helps agencies securely bust silos and share information efficiently. This ability is sought after by first responders and warfighters alike for its ability to help them make more informed decisions based on a complete operational picture.   

Another example is Leidos’ collaboration with Second Front Systems and its Game Warden platform. The platform offers a secure environment that streamlines compliance and accelerates commercial technologies’ ability to obtain classified secret, impact level 6 authority.

“That’s a game-changer,” Wilkinson said. “It lets us bring innovation into government environments faster, securely, and at scale.”

This orchestration of innovation — blending commercial speed with mission-grade resilience — reflects Leidos’ commitment to helping customers achieve faster outcomes without sacrificing trust or security.

As a trusted partner to agencies, corporations and governments, Leidos’ expertise in solving their most pressing needs allows it to create “mission drivers,” or customizable, proven solution accelerators that can be tailored to fit each customer’s mission. The mission drivers embed security and resilience from the start, helping clients modernize faster without compromising protection or performance.

Talent: the heart of every mission

While technology and partnerships set the stage, it’s people who bring it all to life. When asked how Leidos attracts and retains the talent necessary to meet customer demands, Wilkinson emphasized Leidos’ commitment to solving its customers’ most pressing problems while spurring personal growth. 

“We’re in an era where top technical talent wants to work with the government,” Wilkinson said. “The brightest minds want to make an impact — and Leidos gives them that opportunity.”

To foster personal growth, Leidos established communities of practice focused on continuous learning in key areas like cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and application modernization. Employees can create personalized learning paths, earn certifications, share knowledge, and even engage in gamified challenges to stay motivated.

The approach has created a culture of excitement, engagement, and opportunity. Leidos’ 2024 intern program attracted more than 900 interns from 270 colleges, with thousands more applicants — a clear sign that emerging talent sees Leidos as a place to grow and contribute.

"It's about making sure Leidos is a career — not just a job," Wilkinson said.

Staying mission-ready in a changing world

As technology evolves and global challenges grow more complex, Wilkinson believes one thing remains constant: organizations must prioritize proactive digital transformation anchored in cybersecurity and adaptability.

“Zero trust has to be at the core of everything,” he said. “We have to secure data and systems while keeping pace with evolving threats, compliance requirements, and technology advancements.”

He also sees tremendous potential in generative AI, as long as it’s developed responsibly, with safeguards and trusted data at its foundation.

Harkening back to a previous theme, Wilkinson noted the importance of hiring, retaining, and developing the right people. “Without talent, none of this happens. We have to keep learning, upskilling, and building the workforce that will move our government — and our missions — forward.”

The road ahead

For Wilkinson and his team, the future of digital modernization isn’t just about deploying new technology. It’s about creating secure, resilient systems, trusted partnerships, and empowered people who can adapt to change and drive mission success.

This is how Leidos – alongside its partners and customers, delivers faster, more efficient, and smarter user-focused services in a digital age.

Learn More about Leidos Digital Modernization