Leidos
Description
The Leidos Cyber Accelerator is redefining how we build, validate, and scale next‑generation cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. We are seeking a Research Scientist who thrives at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI and agentic AI, and mission‑aligned engineering. 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.
In this role you will design, prototype, and transition AI‑ and LLM‑powered systems that compress cyber operator decision cycles, secure critical infrastructure, secure AI and Agentic AI systems, and deliver resiliency from the enterprise to the tactical edge. You’ll work alongside junior and senior engineers and research scientists with expertise in Zero Trust architectures, resilient systems design, operational technology, cyber‑physical systems, cybersecurity, IT, and reverse engineering.
Primary Responsibilities
Architect, prototype, and deploy mission‑aligned agentic AI frameworks and LLM‑powered tools for cyber defense, autonomous cyber operations decision‑making, and secure AI/agentic AI operations.
Deliver working solutions across the TRL spectrum through rapid iteration from concept to prototype to enable smooth transition to enterprise and mission environments.
Advance secure AI practices through applying Secure‑By‑Design, Zero Trust, and red‑team approaches to ensure safety, trust, and resiliency in AI deployments.
Publish and scale innovation through developing internal playbooks, training, and enterprise‑wide capabilities.
Collaborate 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.
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.
Multiple Openings at Various Levels
T1: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field and 0+ years of prior relevant technical experience in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
T2: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field and 2+ years of prior relevant technical experience in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
Basic Qualifications
Basic understanding of secure architectures including Zero Trust (NIST 800‑207, DoD ZT RA), Secure‑by‑Design patterns (CISA), or resilient systems design (NIST 800‑160 v2r1).
Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
Hands‑on experience building AI/ML systems, especially leveraging LLMs, multi‑agent frameworks, or autonomous decision systems.
Familiarity with LLM orchestration and agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Haystack).
Hands‑on software development skills (Python‑preferred), understanding of machine learning algorithms, tools, and platforms (NumPy, SciPy, scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar).
Experience working independently and in a team in an innovative and fast‑paced environment while delivering to deadlines.
Enthusiasm for innovation, experimentation, and self‑development in the cybersecurity field.
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills, both verbal and written.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.).
Experience with adversarial machine learning, reinforcement learning, or multi‑agent systems—especially if done in the context of cybersecurity operations.
Experience evaluating, running, and/or fine‑tuning open‑source models (e.g., Llama‑3, Hugging Face models).
Knowledge of federated learning or edge AI deployments for cyber‑physical systems or operational technology.
Experience with securing AI systems and AI components along with understanding of common frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, MITRE ATLAS, NIST AI 100‑2.
Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and integrate in a collaborative research environment.
Experience working with technology vendors and academic researchers, as well as leading multidisciplinary research teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Pay Range Pay Range $55,250.00 – $99,875.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation. Additional factors considered include responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and internal equity.
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
www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at
www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
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, nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process. Leidos will only communicate with you through emails generated by the Leidos.com automated system—never from free commercial services or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or other personal information, please report it to
LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.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.
#Remote
Original Posting 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 listed above.
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In this role you will design, prototype, and transition AI‑ and LLM‑powered systems that compress cyber operator decision cycles, secure critical infrastructure, secure AI and Agentic AI systems, and deliver resiliency from the enterprise to the tactical edge. You’ll work alongside junior and senior engineers and research scientists with expertise in Zero Trust architectures, resilient systems design, operational technology, cyber‑physical systems, cybersecurity, IT, and reverse engineering.
Primary Responsibilities
Architect, prototype, and deploy mission‑aligned agentic AI frameworks and LLM‑powered tools for cyber defense, autonomous cyber operations decision‑making, and secure AI/agentic AI operations.
Deliver working solutions across the TRL spectrum through rapid iteration from concept to prototype to enable smooth transition to enterprise and mission environments.
Advance secure AI practices through applying Secure‑By‑Design, Zero Trust, and red‑team approaches to ensure safety, trust, and resiliency in AI deployments.
Publish and scale innovation through developing internal playbooks, training, and enterprise‑wide capabilities.
Collaborate 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.
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.
Multiple Openings at Various Levels
T1: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field and 0+ years of prior relevant technical experience in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
T2: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field and 2+ years of prior relevant technical experience in software engineering, data science, cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
Basic Qualifications
Basic understanding of secure architectures including Zero Trust (NIST 800‑207, DoD ZT RA), Secure‑by‑Design patterns (CISA), or resilient systems design (NIST 800‑160 v2r1).
Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
Hands‑on experience building AI/ML systems, especially leveraging LLMs, multi‑agent frameworks, or autonomous decision systems.
Familiarity with LLM orchestration and agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Haystack).
Hands‑on software development skills (Python‑preferred), understanding of machine learning algorithms, tools, and platforms (NumPy, SciPy, scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar).
Experience working independently and in a team in an innovative and fast‑paced environment while delivering to deadlines.
Enthusiasm for innovation, experimentation, and self‑development in the cybersecurity field.
Excellent interpersonal/communication skills, both verbal and written.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.).
Experience with adversarial machine learning, reinforcement learning, or multi‑agent systems—especially if done in the context of cybersecurity operations.
Experience evaluating, running, and/or fine‑tuning open‑source models (e.g., Llama‑3, Hugging Face models).
Knowledge of federated learning or edge AI deployments for cyber‑physical systems or operational technology.
Experience with securing AI systems and AI components along with understanding of common frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, MITRE ATLAS, NIST AI 100‑2.
Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and integrate in a collaborative research environment.
Experience working with technology vendors and academic researchers, as well as leading multidisciplinary research teams.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Pay Range Pay Range $55,250.00 – $99,875.00. The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation. Additional factors considered include responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and internal equity.
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
www.Leidos.com .
Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement. More details are available at
www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .
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, nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process. Leidos will only communicate with you through emails generated by the Leidos.com automated system—never from free commercial services or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment‑related information or other personal information, please report it to
LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.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.
#Remote
Original Posting 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 listed above.
#J-18808-Ljbffr