Senior and Principal Full Spectrum Cyber AI Researcher

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.   

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​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.  

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​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 

Multiple openings at various levels. The various position’s minimum education and experience requirements are as follows:

• T5: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field 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.

• T6: Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field and 15+ years of prior relevant technical experience in s