McMurdo Winter Research Associate

Leidos LLC; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a McMurdo Winter Research Associate to support scientific research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica during the austral winter. Deployment to Antarctica is required and the role is seasonal for about 9 months (Feb 2027–Oct 2027). Pre deployment training may be required, and NSFs required medical clearances will apply.

Public Trust clearance is needed for starting date. The role involves operating diverse instrumentation, data management, and field duties in extreme conditions,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience or Master's with 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to apply technical principles within a scientific/engineering discipline.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a diverse range of scientific instrumentation.
• Collect, archive, validate, and transmit scientific data and equipment status information.
• Coordinate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, and related requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation, logbooks, and standard operating procedures.
• Support equipment life-cycle planning, inventory and resupply planning.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

2–4 years experience

Master's degree

Public Trust clearance

U.S. citizenship

Networking basics

Unix/Linux administration

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Macintosh

Linux/Unix

Job description

Leidos is seeking a McMurdo Winter Research Associate to support cutting‑edge scientific research at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, during the austral winter. Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines. The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

Deployment to Antarctica is required for this position. This is a seasonal role and is expected to be deployed for approximately 9 months, from early February through mid‑October 2027. Pre deployment training may be required. Selected hire must successfully complete the physical, dental and psychological examinations as required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Failure to meet these requirements will result in withdrawal of employment offer or other employment action. Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to starting date. This process could take up to 4 months.

THE ROLE

The McMurdo Winter Research Associate is a unique opportunity for a technically curious, hands‑on professional who enjoys solving complex problems, working independently, and supporting science in one of the most extraordinary environments on Earth.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair a diverse range of scientific instrumentation, including UV spectroradiometers, GPS receivers, VLF radio receivers, seismometers, all‑sky imagers, lasers, magnetometers, photometers, interferometers, antennas, and other optical and research systems. Support continuous scientific data collection by identifying and resolving equipment, computer, networking, and instrumentation issues. Collect, archive, validate, and transmit scientific data and equipment status information to researchers and project teams. Use digital and analog electronic test equipment to diagnose and repair scientific instruments, electronics, and computer hardware. Apply technical judgment, creativity, and resourcefulness to develop solutions when standard approaches are not sufficient. Administer and maintain computer‑based data acquisition systems and associated hardware. Coordinate with IT teams on network connectivity, firewall access, IP addressing, computer configuration, and related technical requirements. Maintain accurate technical documentation, project logbooks, maintenance records, correspondence, and standard operating procedures. Support equipment and instrument life‑cycle planning, including inventory management, spare parts tracking, resupply planning, and replacement recommendations. Operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot antennas and antenna arrays, including coaxial cable systems and RF‑related equipment. Work with other organizations to investigate and identify potential sources of radio‑frequency interference. Support operations at the Arrival Heights Laboratory and associated facilities, including coordination of maintenance and repair needs. Conduct occasional research briefings and facility tours. Perform outdoor inspections and travel on foot to remote equipment and antenna locations. Support snow removal and other hands‑on activities necessary to maintain access to scientific equipment and facilities. Participate in shared community responsibilities associated with living and working at an Antarctic research station. Perform other duties as required in support of program and research objectives.

WHAT SETS YOU APART

You are someone who is comfortable working independently, solving technical problems with limited onsite support, and adapting to changing conditions. You enjoy working across disciplines and can move comfortably between scientific instrumentation, electronics, computers, networking, and hands‑on field work. You also understand that successful Antarctic operations require more than technical expertise. Strong communication, teamwork, flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to contribute to the broader station community are equally important.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years of relevant experience, a Master’s degree with 1–2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to apply technical principles, theories, and concepts within a relevant scientific, engineering, electronics, or technical discipline.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain the required Public Trust clearance.
• Current, valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage day‑to‑day technical responsibilities with limited direct supervision.
• Fluency with networking topics and file transfer tools required.
• Administrator ability for Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms required.
• Unix system administration ability required.
• Demonstrated electronic and technical troubleshooting experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Experience working effectively with diverse teams in challenging or high‑stress environments.
• Demonstrated conflict‑resolution skills or related training.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing operational priorities.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in extremely cold, windy, snowy, and dark conditions.
• Comfort driving in dark, snowy, icy, and remote conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in Astronomy, Astrophysics, Physics, Electrical, Aeronautical or other engineering discipline is preferred.
• A background in an academic research environment providing direct support to science projects is preferred.
• Experience in general computer repair including IBM‑PC, Macintosh, and network equipment preferred.
• Experience with Python and SQL databases; RA should be able to write scripts for automation and reporting, including visualizations.
• Two years’ experience in laboratory or observatory technical work.
• Laboratory or observatory technical work should include operational experience utilizing experimental, physical, optical, or atmospheric science equipment.
• Experience handling cryogens preferred but not required.
• General electronic troubleshooting experience required, with a minimum of two years of experience in the use of multiple commercial software packages as well as DOS and Windows operating systems.
• Familiarity with legacy versions of Windows operating system, and experience with Macintosh and Linux/Unix platforms desired.

THE EXPERIENCE

This role offers the opportunity to support meaningful scientific research while living and working in one of the most remote environments in the world. Success requires technical breadth, independence, adaptability, and a genuine interest in supporting science where reliable systems and creative problem‑solving matter every day.

PLEASE BE ADVISED that during the interview, you will be required to keep your camera on, and your interviewer will be taking your picture for identification purposes if an offer letter is extended to you.

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.

Pay Range

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.

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.