Research Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Income Protection

Paid Leave

Retirement

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Research Scientist in Huntsville, AL, on-site. The role requires strong programming skills in Python and MATLAB and a foundation in machine learning and aerospace dynamics.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team on autonomous defense problems, communicating results effectively. You will contribute to algorithm development, modeling, and data visualization, applying AI/ML techniques to real-world aerospace challenges while collaborating with engineers, scientists, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 0–2 years of relevant experience, or a master’s with <2 years of experience.
• US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and MATLAB.
• Fundamental understanding of linear algebra, matrix math, statistics, trigonometry, and coordinate frames.
• Foundational aerospace concepts: vehicle and attitude dynamics, control systems, flight mechanics.
• Understanding of machine learning basics, supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and statistics.
• Ability to perform independent research to learn new skills.
• Ability to work in teams and independently on open-ended research problems.
• Effective technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop solutions to aerospace and defense problems using engineering, AI/ML, and software skills.
• Tackle open-ended research problems across multiple aerospace domains.
• Use dynamical modeling, simulation, and data visualization in machine learning tasks.
• Implement solutions in software with Python and related tools.
• Collaborate with peers and leverage internal toolkits.
• Convey technical results clearly to colleagues.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Machine learning basics

Supervised learning

Reinforcement learning

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

C++

Linux

Git

Job description

Research Scientist Huntsville, AL – This is an on-site position No clearance required to start with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI The Defense Sector at Leidos is seeking a talented Research Scientist. In the Leidos Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence branch, you will work to solve complex engineering problems with a highly technical, multidisciplinary team consisting of aerospace engineers, computer scientists, research scientists, and statisticians. This group provides cutting-edge solutions to aerospace and defense problems such as autonomous battle management, robotic vehicle guidance, and model-based system identification.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop solutions to aerospace and defense problems by applying a variety of engineering, AI/ML, and software technical skills.
• Solve open-ended research problems across several different aerospace domains.
• Utilize technical skills to work through tasks involving dynamical modeling and simulation, machine learning (e.g., supervised learning, reinforcement learning), algorithm development, and data visualization.
• The aforementioned skills and solutions are expected to be implemented in software via programming languages such as Python.
• Leverage internal resources (e.g., software toolkits), collaborate with peers and experienced professionals, and learn independently.
• Each engineer should be able to comfortably and effectively communicate technical results of their analysis to peers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of prior relevant experience or a master's degree with less than 2 years of prior relevant experience.
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Advanced proficiency in programming, specifically including Python and MATLAB.
• Fundamental understanding of mathematical concepts, including linear algebra, matrix math, statistics, trigonometry, and coordinate frames.
• Fundamental understanding of core aerospace concepts, such as vehicle and attitude dynamics, control systems, and flight mechanics.
• Computer Science / Math: Understanding of machine learning basics, supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and statistics.
• Ability to perform independent research to learn new skills.
• Ability to work both in collaborative team environments and independently on open-ended research problems.
• Effective technical communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• US Citizen with an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Research experience or prior internship positions.
• Experience with C++.
• Experience with Linux.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g. Git).

DABAOPP1 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.

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

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and 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.