Principal AI/ML Scientist

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.

This role can be based out of Arlington, VA or San Diego, CA. Please note, this is an on-site position. Occasional opportunity to telework may be available.

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 18, 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.