Principal Scientist

This is where your legacy begins! The Chemical, Biological and Materials Sciences (CB&MS) Division in the Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for a Principal Scientist to work in our San Diego, CA office. We have an immediate need for an experienced and highly motivated scientist to support the technical efforts of ongoing contracts as well as support the capture of new programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The candidate will play an active role in the laboratory work execution of unclassified and classified efforts as well as supporting the capture of programs within various organizations, including ARPA-Health.
• In addition, the candidate will support the division on day-to-day technical and business development operations
• Interface with key stakeholders by effectively communicating research in Government customer meetings, internal meetings, and through progress reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or patents.
• Quickly adapt to evolving research needs and rapidly acquire new scientific knowledge to stay informed on new, emerging technologies.
• Work effectively as a member of a fast-paced multidisciplinary team consisting of biologists, chemists, engineers (e.g., electrical, mechanical, or software), and materials scientists. Candidates should follow sound scientific practices and maintain effective documentation of activities and analyses.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Chemistry or related fields and >13 years of prior relevant experience, or (preferably) Master’s degree with 10+ years prior relevant experience.
• Has in-depth understanding of technical principles, theories, concepts and their application across a range of programs, and is able to serve as a subject matter expert in synthetic chemistry and nanomaterials engineering.
• Team-oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with people from diverse areas and disciplines
• Must possess a US Government Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Synthetic chemistry, nanomaterials, and/or biology expertise with demonstrated experience in the development, optimization, validation, and troubleshooting of new technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in contributing to business capture activities for government contracts.
• Ability to develop technical approaches, define analytical strategies, and translate customer requirements into practical laboratory solutions.
• Familiarity with working in a fast-paced milestones-driven environment.

NKE

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 14, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

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.