Leidos is seeking a talented Research Scientist in the Leidos Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence branch. The team work to solve complex engineering problems with a highly technical, multidisciplinary team consisting of aerospace engineers, computer scientists, research scientists, and statisticians. This group provides cutting-edge solutions to aerospace and defense problems such as autonomous battle management, robotic vehicle guidance, and model-based system identification.

This role involves advanced research and application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques to stay up to date with modern methods. This research scientist will design and implement algorithms to aid battle management decision making. Strong communication skills are required to gain fundamental problem understanding from the customers and lead technical teams in code development. Additionally, this role requires writing, maintaining, and testing software in our proprietary decision-making framework that serves as the central hub for engineering solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Mathematics, Data Science, Data Analytics, Statistics, or a related field with 2-6 years of related experience
• Advanced proficiency in Python programming with knowledge of packages such as PyTorch, Scikit-learn, and Pandas
• Demonstrated experience with C++, Rust, and AWS
• Experience developing supervised and unsupervised machine learning models
• Fundamental understanding of mathematical concepts such as linear algebra, statistics, trigonometry, and coordinate transformation
• Proficient with source control technologies (Git, Gitlab) 
• Working knowledge of containerization (Docker, Podman)
• Solid technical communication skills and an ability to work in both collaborative team environments and independently

Security Clearance Qualifications.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications.

• Current security clearance (Secret level or higher).

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

August 26, 2025

Pay Range:

Pay Range $85,150.00 - $153,925.00

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.