Leidos currently has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Scientist to lead the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for the Information and Data Sciences Division of the Leidos Innovations Center. This position will support multiple programs and projects as well as being responsible for defining and maturing the organization’s processes and building/supervising a core group of software engineers. Our projects focus on AI/ML, Resilient Systems, Quantum communications, and Cybersecurity solutions.
Note: This position can support 100% remote telework. However, due to customer engagement, options to work hybrid from either our San Diego, CA or Arlington, VA offices is preferred.
Primary Responsibilities
- Formulate, suggest, and manage complex data-driven research and development projects crossing one or more relevant areas: human factors, AI/ML, data science, software, and cyber.
- Work with software engineers and data scientists to develop and utilize data pipelines to develop algorithms and/or ML models applicable to the stated domains
- Produce and communicate reports that summarize technical results to a non-technical audience
- Stay up to date with current state-of-the-art developments for candidate’s domain of specialization and emerging developments in adjacent areas and strategizing about employment of new approaches to current / future R&D projects.
- Work collaboratively across the company, to gather and utilize novel approaches to solve technical challenges.
Basic Qualifications:
- B.S in physical sciences, engineering, data science, or computer science with 12+ years of direct experience with DoD and IC research programs and testing and evaluation or Master's with 10+ years of experience or Ph.D. in above technical domain with 8+ years of experience. (Ph.D. preferred)
- Qualified candidates must U.S Citizens and be able to obtain a Secret clearance (no clearance is required to start)
- 3+ years experience performing AI R&D; Knowledge and experience with AI/ML engineering including code implementation, optimization, and AI/ML tooling
- Experience performing, testing, and managing research solutions in the areas of interest
- Ability to relay technical insights to non-technical audiences, both in verbal and written formats; Strong technical writing and communication skills
- Can act as SME for program engagements or proposal support
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to coworkers, teammates, and customers.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in physical sciences, engineering, data science, or computer science
- Experience in the cyber domain
- Desire to work in a collaborative team environment utilizing agile methodologies
- Strong scientific publication history or evidence of scientific expertise in at least one of the following areas: Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, Generative AI, Deep Learning, Cognitive Modeling, AI Algorithm Development
- Demonstrable history of working on Government R&D projects that requires flexible/adaptive and rapid response to government requests
- Experience as a DARPA or IARPA PM, PI, or Tech SETA
- Have familiarity with analysis of time-series data and modeling and simulation of data
- Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph
LInC
Original Posting:July 23, 2025For 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 - $227,950.00The 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.
Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.
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What We Do
We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.
