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Looking for an opportunity to make an impact

At Leidos we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers success. We empower our teams contribute to our communities and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers our people and our community. Our Mission Vision and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

Leidos Defense Systems Persistent Surveillance Portfolio is seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Chief Scientist to lead the advancement of next-generation sensing technologies for a major defense program. The Chief Scientist will serve as the technical visionary responsible for driving research technology maturation and innovation strategies that extend the programs capabilities beyond current operational baselines. This role works in close partnership with the Chief Engineer to assess technical readiness and determine when emerging technologies are ready to transition into production systems.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive keep reading!

About Leidos Defense Systems Sector

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems solutions and services covering land sea air space and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT large-scale intelligence systems command and control geospatial and data analytics cybersecurity logistics training and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the worlds toughest security challenges for customers with cant fail missions. To explore and learn more click here!

Primary Responsibilities

Define and lead the programs long-term technology roadmap ensuring alignment with mission needs and future warfighter requirements.

Drive innovation in advanced sensing technologies including radar EO / IR RF and multi-spectral systems to expand system capability and performance.

Partner with the Chief Engineer to evaluate technology readiness integration pathways and timing for introducing new capabilities into production systems.

Oversee internal and external R&D activities including advanced prototypes modeling simulation and proof-of-concept demonstrations.

Collaborate with research labs academia and industry partners to identify and leverage emerging technologies relevant to program goals.

Lead technical assessments trade studies and performance analyses supporting next-generation system designs.

Provide technical leadership in key areas such as signal processing sensor fusion AI / ML-enabled detection and tracking and system-level performance modeling.

Mentor technical staff fostering a culture of scientific curiosity technical excellence and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Communicate complex technical concepts and technology strategies to senior leadership program management and government stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

M.S. in Electrical Engineering Physics Computer Engineering Mathematics or related discipline plus 15-20 years of experience in applied research or advanced development of sensing radar or ISR systems.

OR Doctorate in Electrical Engineering Physics Computer Engineering Mathematics or related discipline plus 13-16 years of experience in applied research or advanced development of sensing radar or ISR systems.

Proven track record in leading technology maturation from concept through demonstration and transition to production.

Deep understanding of electromagnetic sensing principles signal processing and system performance modeling.

Demonstrated experience developing and executing R&D strategies aligned to DoD priorities or mission objectives.

Ability to bridge the gap between research and production effectively communicating with both scientific and engineering communities.

Excellent communication leadership and collaboration skills across multi-functional teams.

Must be a US citizen possess and able to maintain an active DoD security clearance.

Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to Huntsville North Alabama AL.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience integrating AI / ML cognitive sensing or adaptive processing techniques into radar or EO / IR architectures.

Background in multi-sensor fusion electronic warfare resilience and advanced waveform development.

Familiarity with digital engineering and model-based systems approaches for technology insertion.

Experience leading IRAD / CRAD portfolios or serving as principal investigator on advanced research programs.

Are you ready to make an impact

Join us and be a part of a team solving the toughest challenges in defense technology. Share your resume with us today!

At Leidos we dont want someone who fits the moldwe want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless the over-caffeinated the ones who ask whats next before the dust settles on whats now.

If youre already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2 good. Youll fit right in.

Original Posting : November 3 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 $148850.00 - $269075.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

Required Experience :

Chief

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience,Immunoassays,Machine Learning,Biochemistry,Assays,Research Experience,Spectroscopy,Research & Development,cGMP,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Data Analysis Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 148850 - 269075