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Chief Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

San Diego, CA · On-site

$154K - $278K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next ...

Leidos

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

La Jolla, CA

$154K - $278K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next ...

Leidos

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

El Cajon, CA

$154K - $278K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next ...

Leidos

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

San Diego, CA

$154K - $278K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next ...

Leidos

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

San Diego, CA

$154K - $278K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next ...

Giant Magellan Telescope

Project Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

Chief Scientist Type: Full-Time Location: Pasadena, CA Job Summary Reporting to the GMTO Chief Scientist (CS), the Project Scientist (PS) will assist and support the CS in all aspects of the ...

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Chief Scientist information

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How much do chief scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 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 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, EO/IR Technologies

Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$154K - $278K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 425 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next career challenge?
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Chief Scientist, EO/IR Technologies to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.
In this role, you will lead execution of programs focused on design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will serve as Principal Investigator to lead and build capabilities in optical system modeling and performance analysis, design trades and system-level evaluations, and lead the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
You will also lead capture to secure new programs in advanced space sensors, including engaging customers to identify requirements, developing discriminating technical solutions, and leading proposal development. You will also inform technology roadmaps and identify technology areas requiring internal R&D (IRAD) efforts and lead execution.
This position emphasizes a balance of technical depth, communications, and program leadership. The ideal candidate is comfortable engaging in deeply technical discussions to develop new solutions, working with experts across multiple fields, and is motivated to lead research teams to demonstrate disruptive capabilities for space.
Basic Qualifications
  • Doctorate in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 13+ years of prior relevant experience in leading research programs in advanced sensors or Masters with 15+ years of prior relevant experience
  • US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis
  • Experience leading sensor R&D efforts, serving as Principal Investigator and leading ideation of research goals
  • Experience developing strong technical solutions and proposals to meet CRAD solicitation requirements and metrics
  • Proficient experience with finite-element design tools such as COMSOL, CST, or Lumerical
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment
  • Robust sense of initiative, a self-starter who can work independently

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
  • Experience in building technical efforts in new business areas and increasing revenue
  • Served as Principal Investigator on large research programs with Government customers, including DARPA, AFRL, ONR
  • Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics

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:
April 30, 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:
Pay Range $154,050.00 - $278,475.00
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.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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