Description

Opportunity overview: The Intel Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Research Scientist to work in Fort Belvoir, VA. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience to support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's (DTRA) Environmental Data Enterprise (EDE). In this mission, we support the environmental modeling activities of DTRA, DoW, international partners, and private industry, with a focus on atmospheric transport and dispersion (ATD) modeling.

This is a full-time remote opportunity.

Primary responsibilities: The successful candidate will be a subject-matter expert in atmospheric science or meteorology and will take part in research and development efforts to enhance our numerical weather prediction (NWP) and ATD capabilities. The candidate will apply their expertise by using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and best software development practices to improve current capabilities and create new state of the art techniques for the evaluation and use of environmental data. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and deploying next-generation environmental modeling systems that are crucial for national security.

Key initiatives include:

• AI-Driven Model Development: Design, develop, and implement novel AI/ML methods for creating, assessing, and modifying vast amounts of meteorological data.
• Advanced R&D: Conduct research on improving meteorological model inputs (e.g., planetary boundary layer, vertical mixing, ensemble forecasting) for ATD models using AI techniques to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Model Validation: Participate in research on best practices to implement and integrate verification and validation methods for NWP models for application within the ATD environment.
• System & Data Integration: Explore and design new processes to assist in the intelligent selection of meteorological data based on defined Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high Explosive (CBRNE) scenarios.
• Data Pipeline Management: Support the ingestion, quality checking, parsing, and storage of on-demand environmental data, including ocean, surface, and upper-air observations.
• Software Development: Extend, improve, and develop software that bridges the gap between research and operations, and assist in the integration of software into DoW tools.
• Operational Support: Provide subject matter expertise and technical assistance on the EDE system, including monitoring system status and recommending software or hardware enhancements to streamline operations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Master's degree and 6 years experience or a Ph.D. and 3 years experience in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related physical sciences or engineering field.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Technical Expertise:
  
  • Proven experience in developing and applying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) models to complex scientific problems.
  • Strong background in numerical weather prediction (NWP), atmospheric modeling, or a related geophysical field.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, with experience using scientific computing libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) and ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
  • Experience handling and processing large scientific data formats like NetCDF, HDF5, and GRIB.
  • Familiarity with data assimilation techniques and ensemble forecasting methods.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and develop innovative solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with atmospheric transport and dispersion (ATD) models (e.g., HPAC, SCIPUFF).
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity practices and information assurance standards.
• Experience working in a Linux/Unix environment.
• Knowledge of space weather and its impact on terrestrial systems.
• Experience with deploying and maintaining operational scientific models or software.

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:
June 19, 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 $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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 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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