Description

Leidos currently has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Scientist to lead the development of Cyber 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.

• Develop innovative solutions to challenging problems of interest to the Defense Applied Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
• Experience with research and hands-on development of Cyber solutions
• Architect and develop software for cyber tools for defensive cyber operations, offensive cyber operations, and information operations.
• Can act as SME for program engagements or proposal efforts
• Lead, build, mentor, and supervise a group of Scientists

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree and 12 - 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10 - 13 years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Experience with hands-on development of cyber solutions
• Experience performing research to develop cyber solutions
• Can act as SME for program engagements or proposal support
• Strong technical writing and communication skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.
• Stay ahead of emerging cyber threats, adversarial tactics, and offensive cyber advancements.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to coworkers, teammates, and customers.
• Basic knowledge and experience with AI/ML engineering including code implementation, optimization, and AI/ML tooling
• Serve as technical supervisor to a group of scientists
• Must possess an active TS/SCI level clearance to be considered

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in relevant field
• Experience performing research for the DoD or IC
• Experience with one or more of the following source code analysis, red teaming, blue teaming, reverse engineering, advanced networking, cyber deception
• Previous experience as a PI or PM for IARPA or DARPA
• Experience with Machine Learning and/or Artificial Intelligence algorithms and libraries applied to Cyber problems
• Proven track record of conference and journal publications
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph

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:
June 27, 2025

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 $126,100.00 - $227,950.00

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.

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