ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STR

Chief Scientist - Optics

Arlington, VA

$265K - $360K/yr

About the Team STR is seeking a Chief Scientist to work across the company to develop a cohesive strategy and provide direction, technical oversight and review across the portfolio of sensing and ...

KSA Integration

Chief Scientist

Stafford, VA · On-site

KSA Integration is seeking a Chief Scientist serves as the senior scientific and technical authority to the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant, Installations & Logistics, Logistics Plans Division. This ...

KSA Integration

Chief Scientist

Washington, DC · On-site

KSA Integration is seeking a Chief Scientist serves as the senior scientific and technical authority to the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant, Installations & Logistics, Logistics Plans Division. This ...

STR

Chief Scientist

Woburn, MA

$265K - $330K/yr

The Role: As a Chief Scientist, you will lead technical teams developing real-time and deploying Open Architecture solutions, lead the transition of algorithms from concept to real-time ...

STR

Chief Scientist

Woburn, MA

$265K - $330K/yr

The Role: As a Chief Scientist, you will lead technical teams developing real-time and deploying Open Architecture solutions, lead the transition of algorithms from concept to real-time ...

STR

Chief Scientist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$265K - $330K/yr

The Role: As a Chief Scientist, you will lead technical teams developing real-time and deploying Open Architecture solutions, lead the transition of algorithms from concept to real-time ...

AVUM INC

Chief Scientist

Malibu, CA · On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

Master's or PhD in computer science, engineering, or related field * 12+ years of software development experience with 5+ in architecture/leadership * Expert-level Java, Spring Boot, and microservice ...

STR

Chief Scientist - Optics

Washington, DC · On-site

$265K - $360K/yr

About the Team STR is seeking a Chief Scientist to work across the company to develop a cohesive strategy and provide direction, technical oversight and review across the portfolio of sensing and ...

Cheetah Mobile

Chief Scientist - AI

Palo Alto, CA

Chief Scientist - AI Location: San Francisco Bay Area - Palo Alto, California Who We Are Cheetah Mobile (NYSE: CMCM) is a leading, profitable global mobile internet company founded and based in ...

Cheetah Mobile

Chief Scientist - AI

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Chief Scientist - AI Location: San Francisco Bay Area - Palo Alto, California Who We Are Cheetah Mobile (NYSE: CMCM) is a leading, profitable global mobile internet company founded and based in ...

STR

Chief Scientist - Optics

Arlington, VA · On-site

$265K - $360K/yr

About the Team STR is seeking a Chief Scientist to work across the company to develop a cohesive strategy and provide direction, technical oversight and review across the portfolio of sensing and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsChief Scientist Jobs

Chief Scientist information

See salary details

$89K

$144K

$187.5K

How much do chief scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief scientist in the United States is $143,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Chief Scientists?

A Chief Scientist is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the scientific research and innovation within an organization. They set the strategic direction for scientific projects, guide research teams, and ensure that scientific initiatives align with the company's goals. Chief Scientists often represent their organizations in scientific communities and may advise on policy, technology adoption, and research funding. Their role is critical in driving scientific excellence and translating research into real-world applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific field, often demonstrated by a PhD and a strong track record of research and publications. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory management systems, and grant-writing processes is typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills set top candidates apart by enabling them to guide teams and convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. These skills and qualities are essential for driving innovation, securing funding, and ensuring the success of scientific initiatives.

How does a Chief Scientist typically collaborate with other departments to drive innovation within an organization?

A Chief Scientist often works closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, and business strategy departments, to ensure scientific research aligns with organizational goals. This role involves leading research initiatives, mentoring scientific staff, and translating complex findings for non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration is essential, as the Chief Scientist guides decision-making on new technologies, fosters a culture of innovation, and often represents the organization in external partnerships or industry forums.

What is the difference between Chief Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectChief ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive experience, leadership skillsTypically a PhD or Master's, specialized research experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic, leadership-focused, overseeing projects and teamsHands-on research, experimentation, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageR&D departments, technology firms, scientific organizationsUniversities, research labs, corporate R&D

The main difference between a Chief Scientist and a Research Scientist lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Chief Scientist focuses on strategic leadership, overseeing research initiatives, and guiding scientific direction. In contrast, the Research Scientist is primarily involved in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing new knowledge within their field. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Chief Scientist typically has more leadership experience and a broader scope of responsibilities.

More about Chief Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Chief Scientist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Chief Scientist jobs? The top employers for Chief Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Scientist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Scientist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Scientist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Scientist jobs? For Chief Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,971 per year, or $69.2 per hour.
Chief Scientist - Optics

Chief Scientist - Optics

STR

Arlington, VA

$265K - $360K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and provide direction, technical oversight, and review across the portfolio of sensing and counter-sensing programs, particularly in optical sensing.

  • Lead customer engagements to develop new program concepts, ideas, and proposals for the military and intelligence communities.

  • Lead teams to design, develop, implement, test, and analyze solutions to national security problems.

Job description

About the Team

STR is seeking a Chief Scientist to work across the company to develop a cohesive strategy and provide direction, technical oversight and review across the portfolio of sensing and counter-sensing programs, particularly in the development of new optical sensing concepts, architectures, active and passive systems and novel processing. In addition, we will look for the qualified applicant to apply expertise and knowledge across STR sensing portfolios including RF, biological and acoustic sensing to develop strategies, conceive of new research programs and provide roadmaps to fielding key capabilities. As part of this role, the person will also lead customer engagements across the military and intelligence communities to develop new program concepts, ideas and proposals.

The Role:

The position will have a significant and immediate impact on our national security by leveraging capabilities, expertise and experience from across STR. We believe that each candidate has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that could enable us to provide our customers with innovative solutions; the skills listed below are intended to give you a sense for the position. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!

The Chief Scientist will help the company to build out a talented multi-site team. They will also be responsible for all aspects of the business process, working closely with other leaders and will include technical marketing, business development, proposal writing, recruiting, program execution and staff mentoring.

The Chief Scientist should have experience across the important technologies in the sensor technology space, including signal processing, electro-optical sensing and systems, infrared sensing and systems, RF sensing and counter-sensing, acoustics and biological sensing and technologies. The role will also require experience in system integration, field testing, data collection, missions and CONOPs, along with a proven track record of delivering quality results to customers in the defense and intelligence communities.

What you will Do:

  • Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
  • Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing)
  • Creating innovative solutions to challenging sensing/counter-sensing problems
  • Leading teams to design, develop, implement, test and analyze solutions to national security problems
  • Serving as primary technical point of contact for specific customers and offices
  • Travel to various STR and customer locations

Who you Are:

  • Experience working with the defense and intelligence communities on sensor and signal processing related technology
  • Entrepreneurial spirit eager to engage in technical marketing and business development
  • Proven track record in writing and winning technical proposals
  • 15+ years of relevant experience in relevant field
  • Background and education in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics or physics
  • Experience leading technical teams on advanced R&D programs (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Army, DARPA and IC research projects)
  • Experience developing innovative sensing solutions with new sensors and/or algorithms
  • Motivated collaborator and effective communicator to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Active Security Clearance at the TS level, for which US citizenship is needed by the US government

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $265,000 - $360,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

Apply