Principal Cyber AI Research Scientist

Description

The Leidos Cyber Accelerator is redefining how we build, validate, and scale next-generation cyber and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. We are seeking a Research Scientist who thrives at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI and agentic AI, and mission-aligned engineering. The ideal candidate is passionate about a broad range of projects from research & development to prototype development, culminating in deployment of our products to customers.

In this role you will design, prototype, and transition AI- and LLM-powered systems that compress cyber operator decision cycles, secure critical infrastructure, secure AI and Agentic AI systems, and deliver resiliency from the enterprise to the tactical edge. This role works alongside junior and senior engineers and research scientists with expertise in Zero Trust architectures, resilient systems design, operational technology and cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, IT, and reverse engineering.

Primary Responsibilities :

Architect, prototype, and deploy mission-aligned agentic AI frameworks and LLM powered tools for cyber defense, autonomous cyber operations decision-making, and secure AI / agentic AI operations.

Deliver working solutions across the TRL spectrum through rapid iteration from concept to prototype to enable smooth transition to enterprise and mission environments.

Advance secure AI practices through applying Secure-By-Design, Zero Trust, and red teaming approaches to ensure safety, trust, and resiliency in AI deployments.

Publish and scale innovation through developing internal playbooks, training, and enterprise-wide capabilities.

Collaborate with a team of researchers within Leidos across a range of technology areas; identify synergies and collaborations with other Leidos research and development efforts.

Resolve highly complex problems faced by developing solutions that are innovative and achieved through research and integration of best practices and leading technologies.

Assist and lead in the design, implementation, and evaluation of AI / ML models for various applications.

Enhance and maintain analysis tools, including automation of current processes using AI / ML algorithms

Work with cross-functional teams to identify relevant data sources, perform exploratory data analysis (EDA), evaluate data viability, and prepare datasets for AI / ML systems

Basic Qualifications :

Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of prior relevant technical experience in software engineering, engineering, data science, cybersecurity or cyber operations, or related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

Basic understanding of secure architectures including Zero Trust (NIST 800-207, DoD ZT RA), Secure-by-Design patterns (CISA), or resilient systems design. (NIST 800-160 v2r1)

Must be a US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

Hands on experience building AI / ML systems, especially leveraging LLMs, multi-agent frameworks, or autonomous decision systems.

Familiarity with LLM orchestration and agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Haystack)

Hands-on Software Development Skills (Python-Preferred) Understanding of machine learning algorithms, tools and platforms (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Pytorch, or similar)

Experience working independently and in a team in an innovative and fast-paced environment while delivering to deadlines.

Enthusiasm for innovation, experimentation and self-development in the cybersecurity field.

Excellent interpersonal / communication skills, both verbal and written.

Preferred Qualifications :

Advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.)

Experience with adversarial machine learning, reinforcement learning, or multi-agent systems - especially desired if having done so in the context of cybersecurity operations.

Experience evaluating, running, and / or fine-tuning open source models (e.g., Lllama-3, working w / Hugging Face Models).

Knowledge of federated learning or edge AI deployments for cyber-physical systems or operational technology.

Experience with securing AI systems and AI components along with understanding of common frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, MITRE ATLAS, NIST AI 100-2

Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype, iterate, and integrate in a collaborate research environment.

Experience working with technology vendors and academic researchers, as well as leading multi-disciplinary research teams.

The ability to obtain and maintain a TS / SCI clearance.

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.

Original Posting : October 24, 2025

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 $126,100.00 - $227,950.00

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.

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