Computational Imaging Scientist

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave and Retirement

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in meta-optic-enabled computational imaging for edge processing on space missions.

The role covers design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems integrated with inference algorithms, requiring collaboration with cross-functional teams and a strong ML/optics background.

Qualifications

• BS/MS with strong research in computational imaging; PhD optional.
• Experience in computational imaging or related field.
• Experience with Fourier optics and wave propagation.
• Experience with gradient-based optimization and regularization.
• ML-based reconstruction/inference experience with CNNs or similar.
• Proficient in Python; MATLAB/C++ beneficial.
• U.S. Citizen and ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, model, and validate infrared meta-optic systems with digital reconstruction.
• Develop computational imaging models linking optical design to inference performance.
• Create simulation tools for hybrid optical–digital imaging systems.
• Analyze image quality, SNR, reconstruction fidelity, and classification performance.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams; document results.
• Evaluate emerging optical technologies and support internal R&D programs.

Skills

Computational imaging

Python (NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch, JAX, TF

Matlab/C++

Fourier optics

ML-based reconstruction

Analytical problem solving

U.S. Citizenship

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

B.S. in Physics/Materials/Optics

M.S. in related field

PhD (optional)

Tools

Zemax OpticStudio

CODE V

FRED

COMSOL

Ansys Lumerical

MATLAB

Python

C++

Job description

Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging

Are you ready for your next career challenge? The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of meta-optic-enabled computational imaging systems for edge processing on next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.

Primary Responsibilities

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems integrated with digital reconstruction and inference algorithms. You will develop and apply computational imaging models that connect optical design, image formation, detector response, calibration, image reconstruction, and downstream inference performance. You will contribute to the development of simulation tools and algorithms for analyzing hybrid optical–digital imaging systems, including forward image-formation models, inverse-problem formulations, reconstruction algorithms, and end-to-end optimization of optical and computational parameters. You will also support design trades and system-level evaluations involving image quality, signal-to-noise ratio, reconstruction fidelity, classification performance, robustness, and computational complexity. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies, includingmetaopticsandoptical computing systems,analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts. This position includes both analytical and experimental responsibilities, with an emphasis on modeling and algorithm development. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across optical simulation, computational imaging, machine learning, and laboratory environments and is interested in developing integrated optical–digital sensing systems.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Demonstrated research or development experience in computational imagingor a closely related field
• ExperiencewithFourier optics, wave propagation, diffraction, and coherence theory
• Experience with optimization methods used in computational imaging, including gradient-based optimization, regularization, or statistical estimation
• Familiarity with machine-learning-based reconstruction or inference methods, including convolutional neural networks or related architectures
• Experience programming in Python using scientific-computing and machine-learning tools such as NumPy, SciPy,PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow; experience with MATLAB or C++ may also be applicable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Must be a U.S Citizen
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
• Experience designing or modeling optical systems usingZemaxOpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent software
• Experience developing and evaluating machine-learning-based image reconstruction, detection, or classification systems
• Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, imaging-system testing, detector characterization, or optical characterization
• Familiarity with diffractive optics, meta-optics,metasurfaces, ornanophotonicinverse-design
• Experience with electromagnetic modeling tools such as COMSOL, AnsysLumerical, or equivalent
• Record of research contributionsdemonstratedthrough publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant computational-imaging systems

Why Leidos?

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. 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. 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

August 19, 2026

Pay Range

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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. 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 www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

• competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave and Retirement

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.