Entry-Level Computer Scientist

Leidos Defense Sensors is seeking an Entry-Level Computer Scientist to join our Sensor Research and Analysis Division and support critical missile defense programs. This role is to join a diverse team of scientists, engineers, and analysts supporting advanced radar systems research and development in a high-fidelity modeling and simulation environment. The candidate will be expected to setup, test, analyze, and evaluate radar and weapon system performance using modeling and simulation of air defense systems.

Ideal candidates bring strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, work effectively in a collaborative team environment, and build strong working relationships with peers and technical staff across the program. In all of these roles, you will play a vital part in enhancing system performance and advancing mission‑critical objectives in support of our national defense.

This position is hiring now for a 2027 start date (January or post–Spring graduation). No clearance is required to start; ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret clearance is required.

​Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with “can’t fail” missions. To explore and learn more, click here! 

Primary Responsibilities

• ​Support M&S configuration, testing, and data analysis activities of radar and weapon systems to determine performance capabilities.
• ​Demonstrate strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills in support of analysis products and presentations.
• ​Work with a team to find solutions to novel, complex, and non-traditional questions.
• Prepare and deliver analysis results, technical briefings, and demonstrations to program stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or related technical field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Foundational knowledge of C++.
• Experience in computer programming, algorithm development, or analytical software tools.
• Ability to analyze data sets and provide meaningful, statistically relevant insights.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Ability to work onsite in the North Alabama area upon start.

Preferred Qualifications

• Computer science related internship or project experience.
• Experience with radar or air/missile defense systems modeling, simulation, analysis, development, or integration.
• Experience with software development using C++.
• Experience with MATLAB, modeling tools, or scientific computing environments.
• Familiarity with Linux environments (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux).

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:

August 24, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00

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.