Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

About the role

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division. This role involves leading execution of programs focused on design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. The ideal candidate will lead and build capabilities in optical system modeling and performance analysis, design trades and system-level evaluations, and lead the development of compact, high-performance payloads.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of programs focused on design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum.
• Serve as Principal Investigator to lead and build capabilities in optical system modeling and performance analysis, design trades and system-level evaluations, and lead the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
• Inform technology roadmaps and identify technology areas requiring internal R&D (IRAD) efforts and lead execution.
• Engage customers to identify requirements, develop discriminating technical solutions, and lead proposal development.
• Balance technical depth, communications, and program leadership.
• Develop strong technical solutions and proposals to meet CRAD solicitation requirements and metrics.
• Work in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.
• Build technical efforts in new business areas and increase revenue.
• Serve as Principal Investigator on large research programs with Government customers, including DARPA, AFRL, ONR.
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics.

Requirements

Doctorate in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 13+ years of prior relevant experience in leading research programs in advanced sensors or Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience.

US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.

Experience leading sensor R&D efforts, serving as Principal Investigator and leading ideation of research goals.

Proficient experience with finite-element design tools such as COMSOL, CST, or Lumerical.

Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Robust sense of initiative, a self-starter who can work independently.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
• Experience in building technical efforts in new business areas and increasing revenue.
• Served as Principal Investigator on large research programs with Government customers, including DARPA, AFRL, ONR.
• Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics.

Skills

Technical depth in optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis.

Ability to engage in deeply technical discussions to develop new solutions.

Expertise in optical system design and performance analysis.

Experience in laboratory environments, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Initiative and self-starter attitude.

Benefits

Pay Range: $154,050.00 - $278,475.00

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