Data Scientist Thought Leader

Leidos; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 154,000 - 278,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Data Scientist Thought Leader for the Maru program in Gaithersburg, MD. This role drives cutting-edge data science, AI, and geospatial analytics to solve complex intelligence challenges and shape the field through innovation and strategy.

You will collaborate with customer leaders and technical teams to define forward-looking data science applications, emphasizing AI/ML, deep learning, and GEOINT. Active Top Secret/SCI with polygraph is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, AI, GEOINT or related field.
• Proven leadership in data science projects for IC/DoD environments.
• Extensive experience in ML/DL, geospatial analytics, and AI model development.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction for innovative data science and AI solutions.
• Champion emerging technologies like AI, reinforcement learning, and geospatial AI.
• Translate mission needs into actionable data science strategies for the IC.

Skills

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Geospatial analytics

Machine learning

Deep learning

Cloud platforms

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

GeoPandas

GDAL

ArcGIS

GeoTIFF

Shapefiles

Satellite imagery

Computer vision

Model deployment

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Job Description:

Leidos National Security Sector combines technology-enabled services and mission software capabilities in the areas of cyber, logistics, security operations, and decision analytics to support our defense and intel customers’ mission to defend against evolving threats around the world. Our team’s focus is to ensure our customers have the right tools, technologies, and tactics to keep pace with an ever-evolving security landscape and succeed in their pursuit to protect people and critical assets.

We are seeking a Data Scientist Thought Leader for the Maru program. In this strategic, high-visibility role, you will be at the forefront of developing cutting-edge, next generation data science, AI, and geospatial analytics solutions to solve some of the nation’s most complex intelligence problems. As a thought leader, you will drive innovation, shape data science strategy, and influence the future of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).

In this role, you will work closely with customer leaders, mission stakeholders, and advanced technical teams to define the path forward for data science applications in the intelligence community. Your expertise will guide the development of mission-critical capabilities that shape the intelligence landscape, with a focus on AI/ML, deep learning, and advanced geospatial analytics. This position requires a visionary leader who is not only technically skilled but also a strategic influencer and innovator within the field of data science.

Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the primary work location for the program.

Clearance Level Required:

Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic direction for the development and deployment of innovative data science and AI solutions with the customer mission space, and advocate for advanced techniques in machine learning, computer vision, and deep learning.


• Champion the application of emerging technologies, such as AI, reinforcement learning, computer vision, and geospatial AI, to drive mission success. Develop and refine state-of-the-art models to solve highly complex geospatial intelligence problems.


• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging tools, and new methods in data science, AI, and geospatial intelligence. Publish research, deliver keynote presentations, and contribute to academic and industry forums to establish Leidos and the customer as leaders in the field.


• Serve as a senior advisor to customer leadership, collaborating with senior analysts, engineers, and subject matter experts to ensure the alignment of technical capabilities with mission requirements. Translate high-level mission needs into actionable data science strategies.


• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams, helping develop the next generation of data scientist with the organization. Provide thought leadership and guidance to junior and mid-level scientists to foster innovation and professional growth.


• Oversee the design and development of complex AI/ML models and algorithms, particularly for geospatial data, including satellite imagery, remote sensing data, and spatial data analysis.


• Drive the transformation of the customer’s geospatial intelligence workflows by recommending cutting-edge solutions and technologies. Ensure that analytical products provide actionable intelligence for decision-makers at the highest levels of government.


• Represent Leidos and the customer at key industry conferences, briefings, and working groups. Evangelize the potential of data science and AI to transform intelligence operations and national security.

Basic Qualifications:

• US citizenship is required per contract.


• Master’s degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Geospatial Science or related field and 15‑20 years of prior relevant experience or Doctorate with 13‑16 years of prior relevant experience.


• 12+ years of experience in data science, AI, and GEOINT.


• Extensive experience in leading high-profile data science and AI projects, particularly within the Intelligence Community (IC).


• Proven expertise in machine learning, deep learning, geospatial analytics, and AI/ML model development.


• Demonstrated experience in leading innovation in both technical and strategic capacities.


• Mastery of Python, R, and data science libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).


• Expertise in geospatial analytics tools (e.g., GeoPandas, GDAL, ArcGIS), and familiarity with geospatial data formats (e.g., GeoTIFF, Shapefiles).


• Experience in deploying machine learning models at scale and integrating them into operational systems.


• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).


• Expertise in applying computer vision and image analysis techniques to satellite imagery and geospatial datasets.


• Proven ability to shape strategy and influence senior decision-makers within the IC.


• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.


• Strong track record of thought leadership, including publications, speaking engagements, and contributions to the broader data science and geospatial intelligence community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications in AL/ML, or data science.


• Experience working directly with our customer or other members of the IC.


• Advanced knowledge of satellite-based geospatial data, remote sensing, and data analysis.


• Experience with automated model deployment, CI/CD pipelines, and model monitoring.


• Published papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributions to industry conferences, or active involvement in open-source projects.

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 3, 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

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.