Sensing Algorithm Engineer

Leidos; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Flexible working hours

Collegial atmosphere

Job summary

Leidos in San Diego seeks a Sensing Algorithm Engineer to drive algorithm research, development, and delivery for remote sensing applications. You will prototype in Matlab/Python and implement efficient C code, collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers.

The role requires a BS with 4–8 years (or MS with 2–6; TS clearance) and on-site work in San Diego. You’ll analyze performance, document results, and brief stakeholders; the environment offers flexible hours and strong benefits.

Qualifications

• BS degree in physics, engineering, math or related field with 4-8 years of relevant experience, or MS with 2-6 years of relevant experience, or Doctoral degree if less than 2 years of experience.
• Fluency in at least 1 high-level programming language, such as Matlab or Python
• Experience with signal processing, including Fourier transforms, filtering, and estimation
• Basic understanding of physics with ability and eagerness to learn new concepts
• Comfortable with Linux cluster computing environments
• Strong understanding of probability, statistics, linear algebra, and complex variables
• Familiarity with C coding and software engineering best practices or strong willingness to learn
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA

Responsibilities

• Research and develop novel algorithms for remote sensing applications
• Prototype and test algorithms in high-level languages such as Matlab or Python
• Devise efficient software implementations in C programming language
• Conduct algorithm performance testing and analysis
• Document results and brief customers and stakeholders

Skills

Matlab/Python

Signal processing

Linux

Statistics

C programming

Top Secret clearance

On-site work

Education

BS in physics/engineering/math

MS in physics/engineering/math

PhD

Tools

C programming

Linux cluster

Job description

Description

Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through innovative signal processing and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex datasets derived from diverse sensing modalities. We seek a talented Sensing Algorithm Engineer who thrives in algorithm research, development, and implementation. The ideal candidate is creative, efficient, collaborates well, and is passionate about bringing solutions from concept to delivery. Leidos is an employee-friendly company with a competitive benefit package, flexible working hours, and a collegial atmosphere.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and develop novel algorithms for remote sensing applications
• Prototype and test algorithms in high-level languages such as Matlab or Python
• Devise efficient software implementations in C programming language
• Conduct algorithm performance testing and analysis
• Document results and brief customers and stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in physics, engineering, math or related field with 4-8 years of relevant experience, or Masters with 2-6 years of relevant experience, or Doctoral degree if less than 2 years of experience
• Fluency in at least 1 high-level programming language, such as Matlab or Python
• Experience with signal processing, including Fourier transforms, filtering, and estimation
• Basic understanding of physics with ability and eagerness to learn new concepts
• Comfortable with Linux cluster computing environments
• Strong understanding of probability, statistics, linear algebra, and complex variables
• Familiarity with C coding and software engineering best practices or strong willingness to learn
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with at least one sensing modality
• Deep understanding of fluid dynamics
• Deep understanding of acoustics
• Experience with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
• Experience with Optics
• Experience with Radar
• Proficiency with C coding and software engineering best practices
• Deep understanding of optimal detection and estimation
• Deep understanding of array processing, beamforming, including concepts and implementation
• Experience architecting algorithms and hardware for maximal efficiency
• Experience with real-time processing with edge and cloud components
• Experience integrating Machine Learning with signal processing
• Experience with systems engineering
• Exposure or strong interest in learning embedded programming

SUBSEAMSS

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:

August 17, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

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.

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

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at [e-mail].

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.