Description

Leidos is seeking a Senior Research Scientist / Senior Data Scientist to support advanced research and development programs addressing complex technical and mission challenges. In this role, you will develop innovative analytical methods, scientific software, and computational models to support modeling, simulation, and risk-informed decision making.

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in scientific computing, quantitative analysis, and predictive modeling, along with experience working in multidisciplinary research environments. This role involves applying physics-based modeling and high-performance computing techniques to large-scale analytical problems in support of mission-driven programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advanced predictive models and analytical methods to support planning, forecasting, and risk assessment
• Design, develop, and maintain scientific software using Python, C++, and Fortran
• Apply deterministic and Monte Carlo transport modeling techniques to support simulation and technical analysis
• Utilize tools such as HZETRN, GEANT4, or similar simulation frameworks to evaluate system behavior and technical risk
• Optimize computational performance using high-performance computing (HPC) and parallel computing techniques
• Conduct analyses involving radiation exposure assessment and human health risk modeling
• Apply 3D CAD modeling techniques to support mass distribution analysis and system modeling
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and program stakeholders to translate mission requirements into analytical solutions
• Maintain and modernize legacy scientific software while improving scalability and reliability
• Communicate technical findings through reports, briefings, and technical documentation

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with 10+ years of experience
• Strong experience in scientific computing, quantitative research, and software development
• Demonstrated proficiency in Python, C++, and Fortran
• Experience with modeling, simulation, and large-scale data analysis
• Knowledge of deterministic and Monte Carlo transport methods
• Familiarity with radiation risk or human health risk modeling frameworks
• Experience working in Linux environments and high-performance computing systems
• Experience with cluster job scheduling tools such as SLURM
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HZETRN, GEANT4, or similar radiation transport codes
• Experience with Creo or other CAD modeling tools
• Experience working with legacy scientific software environments
• Experience with cloud-based or distributed computing workflows
• Experience with data visualization, model validation, and uncertainty analysis
• Experience supporting U.S. government programs, including space or defense research programs
• Experience leading technical initiatives or mentoring junior researchers

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:
March 18, 2026

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 $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.