Data Scientist, Sr - Artificial Intelligence, Cloud & Automation (Open)

Leidos; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Data Scientist to architect and operationalize AI-driven capabilities supporting USCYBERCOM. The role focuses on integrating AI into real-time command-and-control, bridging OCO and DCO, and delivering automated, agentic AI workflows across network tiers.

The position requires 12+ years in cyber/data/software fields, TS/SCI/Poly, and DoD 8140/8570 IAT certifications. Expect on-site duties at Fort Meade with potential surge hours during high-demand periods.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in cyber engineering, data science, or software development.
• Expert proficiency in Python, SQL, and Java; experience with LLMOps, RAG patterns, and vector databases.
• Deep understanding of OCO/DCO tactics, procedures, and USCYBERCOM mission roadmap.
• Must meet DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II/III (e.g., CISSP, GCIH, CEH).
• Top Secret (TS), SCI and Polygraph clearance at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Integrated Mission Automation: design AI agents and LLM-enabled workflows to automate JOPP for OCO and DCO.
• Full-Spectrum Tool Development: build AI-powered platforms for cyber operations with automated data pipelines.
• Secure Cloud Ops: deploy and scale AI/ML models in AWS/Azure GovCloud using Kubernetes and Terraform.
• Operational Intelligence Integration: synchronize AI-driven intelligence planning with operational timelines for real-time insights.
• Tactical AI/ML Engineering: develop production-ready software to automate vulnerability remediation.

Skills

Python

SQL

Java

LLMOps

RAG patterns

Vector databases

Tools

Kubernetes

Terraform

AWS GovCloud

Azure GovCloud

Job description

Description

The Cyber & Analytics Business Unit with the Intel Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Data Scientist, with a deep understanding of Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, and Automation to support USCYBERCOM. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience helping the COSS 3.0 mission. In this mission we support the advancement of USCYBERCOM, the CNMF, and JTF-ARES as it transforms to achieve the objectives outlined in USCYBERCOM 2.0, 2026 National Cyber Strategy, and the USCYBERCOM AI Strategy. Moving from opportunistic AI to systemic adoption.

Primary Responsibilities. The Senior Full-Spectrum Cyber AI Engineer will architect and operationalize AI-driven capabilities that bridge the gap between OCO and DCO. You will lead the development of automated, "agentic" AI workflows that synchronize intelligence gathering, defensive hardening, and offensive effect delivery. This role is critical for achieving "analytic superiority" by integrating AI into real-time command-and-control (C2) and mission management across all network tiers.

This posting is for multiple opportunities ranging in years of experience. Level of opportunity including compensation, will be matched to the candidate's experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrated Mission Automation: Design AI agents and LLM-enabled workflows to automate the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP), specifically for deconflicting and synchronizing OCO and DCO activities.
• Full-Spectrum Tool Development: Build AI-powered platforms for both computer network attack and computer network defense, using automated data pipelines to ingest and act on multi-source security telemetry.
• Secure Cloud Ops: Deploy and scale AI/ML models within secure AWS/Azure GovCloud environments, utilizing Kubernetes and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) to ensure mission agility and continuous delivery.
• Operational Intelligence Integration: Synchronize AI-driven intelligence planning with operational timelines to provide actionable, real-time insights for mission execution.
• Tactical AI/ML Engineering: Develop production-ready software—from vision to deployment that automates vulnerability remediation and enhances system resiliency against advanced state actors.

Basic Qualifications. Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 12+ years in cyber engineering, data science, or software development, with specific experience in full-spectrum cyber operations missions.
• Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in Python, SQL, and Java; experience with LLMOps, RAG patterns, and vector databases.
• Operational Knowledge: Deep understanding of OCO/DCO tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and the USCYBERCOM mission roadmap.
• Certification: Must meet DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II/III requirements (e.g., CISSP, GCIH, or CEH).
• Clearance: Top Secret (TS),SCI and Polygraph, at the time of application, to be considered.
• This position supports mission-critical operations that may require surge support. While the normal work schedule is an 8-hour day, the role may require extended work hours, including up to 12-hour shifts and/or 7 days per week, during periods of increased operational demand.

Preferred Qualifications.

• Direct experience supporting USCYBERCOM National Mission Teams (NMT) or Combat Mission Teams (CMT).
• Knowledge of the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) AI roadmap and federal laboratory technology transfer processes.

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:

September 23, 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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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 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.

Securing Your Data

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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.