Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

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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:

Pay Range:

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.