Principal Research Scientist – Computational Design and Manufacturing
Arlington, VA, United States
- Engineering
- Full-time
- computational design
- manufacturing optimization
- AI/ML development
The Principal Research Scientist leads innovative research in computational design and advanced manufacturing for defense and intelligence applications, focusing on AI/ML, generative design, and optimization. This role involves developing technology solutions aligned with mission-critical systems, managing cross-disciplinary teams, and collaborating with government agencies like DARPA and DoD. The position requires extensive technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to secure and execute competitive R&D contracts, with options for hybrid or remote work in San Diego or Arlington.
Description
Are you a motivated Research Scientist specializing in Computational Design and Manufacturing with a technical vision and hands-on knowledge of mission-focused systems? The Leidos Innovations Center’s newly established Information and Data Science Division is seeking a Principal Research Scientist - Computational Design and Manufacturing, to help lead strategic solution developments and projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing technology-based approaches that yield novel, innovative capabilities while advancing the state of the art. We are looking for a proven researcher who can develop and lead a groundbreaking research portfolio using both internal and customer funding.
*The ideal candidate will be able to work out of our office(s) in either San Diego, CA or Arlington, VA but Hybrid/Remote is also an option*
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop innovative solutions to challenging problems of interest to the Defense Applied Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence Community (IC).
- Engage R&D customers and transition partners to understand technical gaps and needs for computational design and crisis manufacturing for mission critical systems.
- Lead teams that execute advanced research in areas of autonomy, optimization, and generative design.
- Develop and deliver complex AI/ML model pipelines and software products.
- Collaborate in cross-discipline teams to deliver innovations that provide measurable mission impact.
- Track technology trends in the customer and broader R&D communities.
Basic Qualifications
- Proven track record developing and delivering complex AI/ML model pipelines and software products.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering or a related field and 12+ years prior relevant experience, M.S degree with 10+ years of prior relevant experience, or Ph.D. with 8+ years of experience (Ph.D. preferred)
- Industry and/or academic experience in generative design, constrained optimization, automated planning, or AI-enabled CAD integration.
- Past experience optimizing manufacturing processes through systems engineering and operations research.
- At least 4 years of experience with programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Rust, or MATLAB.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience engaging with senior leadership and technical teams as well as ability to present complex technical solutions in a clear, understandable manner.
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven track record in proposing, winning, and executing contract R&D with customers such as DARPA, IARPA, or similar agencies within the last 5 years.
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering or a related degree.
- Strong publication track record demonstrating experience advancing the state of the art in generative design, constrained optimization, automated planning, or AI-enabled CAD integration.
- Domain experience in design and manufacturing of naval, air, or surface platforms and autonomous systems.
- Experience with simulation, manufacturing automation systems, and digital twin frameworks.
- Experience with automation and industrial control languages for integrating legacy equipment.
- Strong and proven customer relationship skills including the ability to discover the true technical challenges and requirements associated with opportunities, recommend alternative technical approaches, and shape future opportunities.
- Proven experience forming strong teams composed of members from academia and industry for competitive research and development opportunities.
- Active DoD Secret clearance.
- Ability and willingness to work a hybrid schedule onsite in either San Diego California or Arlington Virginia.
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:
December 1, 2025For 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 $131,300.00 - $237,350.00The 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 LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
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.
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