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Chief Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

As a Chief Scientist, you will lead technical teams in developing open architecture solutions and transitioning algorithms to real-time implementations, while also mentoring junior engineers and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Chief Scientist information

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$89K

$144K

$187.5K

How much do chief scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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.

Did NASA eliminate the chief scientist position?

NASA still maintains the position of Chief Scientist, who is responsible for advising on scientific priorities and research across the agency. The role is integral to NASA's mission, and while organizational structures can change, there is no public record of the position being eliminated.

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 are popular job titles related to Chief Scientist jobs? For Chief Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Chief Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,971 per year, or $69.2 per hour.
Chief Scientist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you passionate about advancing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that protect our nation's air and missile defense systems from evolving cyber threats?
Do you love leading innovative research and collaborating with top experts to develop resilient, mission-critical technologies for national security challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in air and missile defense, homeland protection, cybersecurity, force projection, and space science. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering to address these national security challenges. We take pride in achieving practical, operationally sound solutions to complex problems, with a focus on innovation, affordability, and timeliness.
The Air and Missile Defense Cyber Engineering Group is currently seeking a Chief Scientist to lead a team of cybersecurity experts in the conduct of research, development of concepts, and the definition of cutting edge cybersecurity solutions needed to defend our nation's air and missile defense systems from cyber threats.
As the Group Chief Scientist your primary responsibility will be to define revolutionary cybersecurity and cyber resilience concepts and technologies in support of our nation's air and missile defense systems. Air and Missile Defense systems require innovative approaches to implement cyber resilience.
As a Chief Scientist, you will...
  • Drive the definition, concept development, and prototyping of cybersecurity solutions for complex systems.
  • Lead research, assessment, engineering, and development tasks to expedite fielding of cyber concepts.
  • Shape strategy to advance the state of the art in cybersecurity.
  • Define new ways to leverage cyber performance measures and metrics to identify and respond to anomalous cyber behavior.
  • Conceptualize new approaches for improving cyber resilience in deployed systems.
  • Lead teams of experts to expand concepts into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for defense systems.
  • Develop whitepapers, pursue internal research and development, present concepts at community forums, and work with Laboratory leadership to identify and justify investment objectives.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Have at least two (2) years of experience in concept development for complex systems.
  • Possess a detailed knowledge of fundamental principles for DoD policy, and NIST guidance on Cybersecurity, Cyber Resilience, Cyber Risk Management, System Hardening, and Cyber Testing.
  • Have excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Are highly motivated with the ability to work independently, apply critical thinking to problem solving, and produce positive results for highly challenging sponsor needs.
  • Have a proven track record for proposing innovative, technical solutions, securing funding, assembling staff, delivering a prototype, and transitioning the technology to external partners.
  • Have established a research agenda and technology roadmap, incorporating Government/DoW strategic documents to guide organizational innovation efforts
  • Are adept at building, managing, and working as part of high performing teams with aggressive delivery timelines.
  • Have the ability to occasional travel and work at military facilities including underway on US Navy ships and aircraft, requiring occasional work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.
  • Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Hold a Doctoral Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.
  • Have Ten (10) or more years of experience conducting cyber related research.
  • Have Experience in the development and deployment of Navy and DoD systems.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance above Top Secret.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually