Applied Physicist III

Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through advanced physics-based modeling, signal processing, and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex radar and sensor data for both classified and unclassified systems. We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Applied Physicist who thrives in research, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity, sound physical intuition, excellent mathematical skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. Primary Responsibilities · Develop physics-based models, simulations, and analysis algorithms that support National Defense applications. · Research, design, and evaluate innovative approaches for radar/sensor phenomenology, detection, characterization, and data exploitation. · Apply applied physics, mathematics, and signal processing techniques to extract useful information from complex measured and simulated data sets. · Perform data analysis, model validation, uncertainty assessment, and performance characterization for algorithms and systems. · Create efficient implementations of scientific algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar high-level languages. · Document methods, results, and assumptions clearly for technical peers, program leadership, and customers. · Work collegially within a talented multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and software developers. Basic Qualifications · BS degree with 5+ years of prior relevant applied physics, radar/sensor modeling, signal processing, data analysis, or scientific algorithm development experience; Masters with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Doctoral degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific field. · US Citizenship and able to maintain a Top Secret security clearance. · Experience developing, analyzing, or validating physics-based models, simulations, or scientific algorithms. · Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills. · Fluency in MATLAB, Python, or a similar high-level scientific computing language. · Ability to translate physical concepts into algorithms, simulations, and quantitative analyses. · Proven track record of innovation, technical problem solving, and achieving results in a research or engineering environment. · Strong documentation and communication skills. · Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA. Preferred Qualifications · Understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic scattering, detection, estimation, or characterization. · Experience with modeling and simulation of physical systems, sensor systems, remote sensing, ocean/environmental phenomenology, or related data-intensive applications. · Experience programming in C/C++ or developing efficient production-quality scientific software. · Experience with statistical analysis, estimation theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification. · Comfortable with public speaking and/or customer presentations. 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: May 27, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00 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. 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 $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit 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 here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Commitment and Diversity 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.