Synthetic Chemist

Leidos Inc; Rockaway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 59,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Synthetic Chemist for the Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site. The role involves conducting synthesis, scale-up, and characterization of novel materials as part of a collaborative Defense Sector team.

Responsibilities include literature searches, developing synthesis methods, process optimization, and reporting. A BS/MS in organic chemistry with 2–6 years of experience and US citizenship are required; a higher degree and energetic materials knowledge are a plus.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in organic chemistry with 2-6 years relevant experience.
• Experience developing and executing synthesis of new materials.
• Knowledge of analytical methods for separation and characterization.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment.
• US Citizenship required.
• Higher degree preferred; energetic materials knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct synthesis, scale-up, and characterization of novel materials.
• Conduct ongoing literature searches to stay aware of latest ingredients and techniques.
• Design and execute novel approaches to synthesis of new materials.
• Develop alternate more efficient synthesis methods for existing materials.
• Perform process optimization and scale-up studies for large-scale preparation of materials.
• Characterize materials using state-of-the-art analytic techniques.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Develop novel ideas and contribute to proposals.

Skills

Synthesis of new materials

Analytical techniques

Team collaboration

Literature review

US Citizenship

Education

BS/MS in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Description

The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Synthetic Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site Conduct synthesis, scaleup, and characterization of novel materials.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing literature searches to develop and maintain awareness of latest ingredients, processes, and techniques.
• Design and execute novel approaches to the synthesis of new materials.
• Develop alternate more efficient methods for the synthesis of existing materials.
• Conduct process optimization and scale up studies for large scale preparation of these materials
• Characterize all materials utilizing state-of-the-art analytic techniques.
• Prepare technical report and presentations.
• Develop novel ideas and contribute to proposals.

Basic Qualifications

• BS/MS in organic chemistry with 2-6 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing synthesis of new materials.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with analytical methods for the separation and characterization of materials to include chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques.
• Ability to work in a team-based environment.
• US Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher degree preferred.
• Knowledge of energetic materials a plus.

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: May 13, 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 $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

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.

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.

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.