The Leidos Office of Technology (OOT) is seeking a Research Scientist for our Cyber Accelerator. This is an opportunity to use your experience and enhance your skills to support Cyber-related AI projects. The ideal candidate is passionate about a broad range of projects from research & development to prototype development, culminating in deployment of our products to customers. This role works alongside junior and senior engineers and research scientists with expertise in machine learning, cybersecurity, IT, reverse engineering, and Cyber AI. The successful candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas: software engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
Primary Responsibilities:
- Develop, evaluate, test, and deploy cutting edge solutions for cyber operations and cybersecurity challenges.
- Work with a team of researchers within Leidos across a range of technology areas; identify synergies and collaborations with other Leidos research and development efforts.
- Resolve highly complex problems faced by developing solutions that are innovative, and achieved through research and integration of best practices and leading technologies.
- Assist and lead in the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI/ML models for various applications.
- Create AI/ML prototypes for various use cases.
- Enhance and maintain analysis tools, including automation of current processes using AI/ML algorithms Work with cross-functional teams to identify relevant data sources, perform exploratory data analysis (EDA), evaluate data viability, and prepare datasets for AI/ML systems
Basic Qualifications:
- BS degree and 4+ years of prior relevant technical experience in cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field
- Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
- Experience with threat detection, malware analysis, reverse engineering, and penetration testing concepts, as well as modern tools and platforms to support these activities
- Proven ability to design, articulate, and deliver complex cyber solutions that: are scalable, robust, secure, and resilient and deliver clear, measurable value to program owners and end users.
- Experience working autonomously and in a team in an innovative and fast-paced environment whilst delivering to deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal/communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Hands-on Software Development Skills (Python-Preferred) Understanding of machine learning algorithms, tools and platforms (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pytorch, or similar)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.)
- Experience in automating advanced techniques for cyber operations and cybersecurity efforts.
- Experience working with technology vendors and academic researchers, as well as leading multi-disciplinary research teams.
- Experience with many areas of AI/ML and related key technical disciplines including: structured and unstructured data; supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, and federated learning;
- Specific experience desired with one or more of the following technologies:
- Experience with Transformer Architectures
- Experience with using Retrieval Augmented Generation
- Experience with fine-tuning Large-language models (LLM)
- Experience with the development of Agentic AI-based solutions
- Reinforcement Learning
- Enthusiasm for innovation, experimentation and self-development in the cybersecurity field.
- The ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is strongly preferred.
- Experience with developing solutions for massive (PB+) datasets, heterogeneous environments, and secured data (PHI, classified data, etc.).
- Experience with commercial and Open Source Cyber / AI / ML / Data Science platforms.
Original Posting:May 1, 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 $85,150.00 - $153,925.00
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
We Are Leidos
For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world.
OUR MISSION
Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
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