Entry-Level Computer Scientist

Leidos LLC; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness programs

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement

Job summary

Leidos Defense Sensors is seeking an Entry-Level Computer Scientist to support radar and weapon system performance analysis in a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment. The role involves setting up, testing, and evaluating system performance and delivering analyses and briefings to stakeholders in support of national defense.

The candidate should have strong analytical skills, collaborate well with a diverse team, and be eligible for a DoD Top Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related technical field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Foundational knowledge of C++.
• Experience in computer programming, algorithm development, or analytical software tools.
• Ability to analyze data sets and provide meaningful, statistically relevant insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to work onsite in the North Alabama area upon start.

Responsibilities

• Support M&S configuration, testing, and data analysis activities of radar and weapon systems to determine performance capabilities.
• Demonstrate strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills in support of analysis products and presentations.
• Work with a team to find solutions to novel, complex, and non‑traditional questions.
• Prepare and deliver analysis results, technical briefings, and demonstrations to program stakeholders.

Skills

Python

C++

Algorithms

Data analysis

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited degree

Tools

MATLAB

Linux

Modeling tools

Job description

Leidos Defense Sensors is seeking an Entry-Level Computer Scientist to join our Sensor Research and Analysis Division and support critical missile defense programs. This role is to join a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and analysts supporting advanced radar systems research and development in a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment. The candidate will be expected to setup, test, analyze, and evaluate radar and weapon system performance using modeling and simulation of air defense systems. Ideal candidates bring strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and build strong working relationships with peers and technical staff across the program. In all of these roles, you will play a vital part in enhancing system performance and advancing mission‑critical objectives in support of our national defense.

This position is hiring now for a 2027 start date (January or post–Spring graduation). No clearance is required to start; ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance is required. Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. 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.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support M&S configuration, testing, and data analysis activities of radar and weapon systems to determine performance capabilities.
• Demonstrate strong mathematical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills in support of analysis products and presentations.
• Work with a team to find solutions to novel, complex, and non‑traditional questions.
• Prepare and deliver analysis results, technical briefings, and demonstrations to program stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related technical field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Foundational knowledge of C++.
• Experience in computer programming, algorithm development, or analytical software tools.
• Ability to analyze data sets and provide meaningful, statistically relevant insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to work onsite in the North Alabama area upon start.

Preferred Qualifications

• Computer science related internship or project experience.
• Experience with radar or air/missile defense systems modeling, simulation, analysis, development, or integration.
• Experience with software development using C++.
• Experience with MATLAB, modeling tools, or scientific computing environments.
• Familiarity with Linux environments (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux).

Original Posting: August 24, 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 $57,850.00 - $104,575.00 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.

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 $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. 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.

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

More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

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.