Physical AI Scientist

Leidos is seeking a highly experienced Physical AI Scientist with advanced expertise in modeling and simulation, statistical inference, algorithms, data analysis, and machine learning. This role requires a unique blend of theoretical expertise and hands-on development proficiency, and is ideal for applicants with diverse, cross-disciplinary backgrounds such as quantum information science and other defense R&D topics.

Primary Responsibilities:

As a Physical AI Scientist, you will use quantitative and computational methods to improve the performance of complex systems, developing and testing algorithms for data analysis, modeling, and decision-making across a range of applications. You will leverage statistical and probabilistic techniques to design, validate, and refine models, while supporting system efficiency through analytical problem-solving. You will be responsible for writing and presenting innovative research proposals that identify significant challenges in the realm of physical AI, articulating creative approaches, and pursuing both external and internal funding opportunities. Serving as Principal Investigator (PI) or project lead for funded research, you will guide multidisciplinary teams through project execution and the successful achievement of milestones, while proactively contributing technical insights and novel ideas to advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence, analytics, and physical systems. Additionally, you will mentor junior researchers, build and validate models using tools such as Python, R, SAS, SQL, Matlab, and Mathematica, apply advanced analytics like econometrics, optimization, and time series analysis, and communicate results clearly through data visualizations and thorough documentation.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical field 4+ years of prior relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in leading the full lifecycle of technical projects, from innovative proposal writing to solution development, execution, and reporting as a PI or lead.
• Advanced programming proficiency and hands-on experience with algorithm development and system optimization in technical domains such as defense or cyber-physical systems.
• Experience mentoring and guiding early-career researchers or students

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in missile guidance algorithms, quantum information science, financial or risk analysis modeling, or other defense-related R&D

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience with successful proposal submissions and project leadership as PI.
• Familiarity with embedded, real-time systems, advanced sensor fusion, or autonomous platforms. 

• Excellent written and oral skills in communicating technical information with an ability to present complex technical information clearly and coherently  
• An active DoD Secret Clearance with potential eligibility for Top Secret.

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

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.