The Defense Sector at Leidos currently has an opening for an Analytical Chemist to work at our Picatinny Arsenal, NJ site. The Analytical Chemist will be responsible for supporting government customers within the Propulsion Division to evaluate novel and legacy energetic materials and formulations. Primary responsibilities to include characterization of organic compounds and polymers using state-of-the-art analytical and instrumental techniques for safety, compositional, and other desired material property information. Primary Responsibilities.
Analyze materials of interest to the U.S. Army, and execute research protocols in support of research, development, and production objectives.
Interact with outside customers, vendors, and researchers to support contracted and subcontracted projects.
Test, evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, maintain, install, and calibrate equipment to perform material testing.
Maintain inventory of consumables and chemicals needed to perform material testing.
Support acquisition of new equipment through market research, purchase, and installation.
Establish standard operating procedures for the safe and effective operation of material testing.
Collect, organize, and perform data analysis, and verify/correct data entry.
Maintain clear and accurate logbooks; collect and record detailed observations about experiments.
Assist with preparation of technical reports, summaries, posters, data presentation, and protocols.
Conduct literature searches on identified topics relevant to current laboratory practices/protocols.
Maintain compliance with established laboratory health and safety guidelines, as well as established methods/procedures.
Basic Qualifications.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related field with 2-4 years of relevant experience.
Skills should include a foundational and theoretical understanding of general scientific principles.
Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art analytical tools and techniques required.
Experience with thermal stability analysis, microscopy, chromatography, spectroscopy, and physical property testing required.
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to interact and effectively communicate both written and orally with a wide variety of people. Must be able to work in a team-based environment.
US citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications.
Computer literacy, Microsoft Office proficiency, and working knowledge of statistical software are preferred.
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.
May 13, 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 $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
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.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® innovation company rapidly addressing the world’s most vexing challenges in national security and health. The company's global workforce of 48,000 collaborates to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $15.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead, visit careers.leidos.com for our latest opportunities.
