Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

Description

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.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. 

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

In this role, you will lead execution of programs focused on design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will serve as Principal Investigator to lead and build capabilities in optical system modeling and performance analysis, design trades and system-level evaluations, and lead the development of compact, high-performance payloads.

You will also lead capture to secure new programs in advanced space sensors, including engaging customers to identify requirements, developing discriminating technical solutions, and leading proposal development. You will also inform technology roadmaps and identify technology areas requiring internal R&D (IRAD) efforts and lead execution. 

This position emphasizes a balance of technical depth, communications, and program leadership. The ideal candidate is comfortable engaging in deeply technical discussions to develop new solutions, working with experts across multiple fields, and is motivated to lead research teams to demonstrate disruptive capabilities for space.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctorate in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 13+ years of prior relevant experience in leading research programs in advanced sensors or Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience

• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

• Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis

• Experience leading sensor R&D efforts, serving as Principal Investigator and leading ideation of research goals

• Experience developing strong technical solutions and proposals to meet CRAD solicitation requirements and metrics

• Proficient experience with finite-element design tools such as COMSOL, CST, or Lumerical

• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail

• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment

• Robust sense of initiative, a self-starter who can work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)

• Experience in building technical efforts in new business areas and increasing revenue

• Served as Principal Investigator on large research programs with Government customers, including DARPA, AFRL, ONR

• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics

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:

April 30, 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

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 .

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 .

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 View email address on apply.j-vers.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.