Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through advanced physics-based modeling, signal processing, and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex radar and sensor data for both classified and unclassified systems. We are seeking a motivated and inquisitive Applied Physicist who thrives in research, algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and implementation. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity, sound physical intuition, excellent mathematical skills, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Primary Responsibilities
· Develop physics-based models, simulations, and analysis algorithms that support National Defense applications.
· Research, design, and evaluate innovative approaches for radar/sensor phenomenology, detection, characterization, and data exploitation.
· Apply applied physics, mathematics, and signal processing techniques to extract useful information from complex measured and simulated data sets.
· Perform data analysis, model validation, uncertainty assessment, and performance characterization for algorithms and systems.
· Create efficient implementations of scientific algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar high-level languages.
· Document methods, results, and assumptions clearly for technical peers, program leadership, and customers.
· Work collegially within a talented multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and software developers.
Basic Qualifications
· BS degree with 5+ years of prior relevant applied physics, radar/sensor modeling, signal processing, data analysis, or scientific algorithm development experience; Masters with 2+ years of relevant experience; or Doctoral degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or a related scientific field.
· US Citizenship and able to maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
· Experience developing, analyzing, or validating physics-based models, simulations, or scientific algorithms.
· Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
· Fluency in MATLAB, Python, or a similar high-level scientific computing language.
· Ability to translate physical concepts into algorithms, simulations, and quantitative analyses.
· Proven track record of innovation, technical problem solving, and achieving results in a research or engineering environment.
· Strong documentation and communication skills.
· Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA.
Preferred Qualifications
· Understanding of radar phenomenology, electromagnetic scattering, detection, estimation, or characterization.
· Experience with modeling and simulation of physical systems, sensor systems, remote sensing, ocean/environmental phenomenology, or related data-intensive applications.
· Experience programming in C/C++ or developing efficient production-quality scientific software.
· Experience with statistical analysis, estimation theory, optimization, machine learning, or uncertainty quantification.
· Comfortable with public speaking and/or customer presentations.
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 27, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
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.
