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Retired Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... As a professional engineer or scientist providing technical and programmatic leadership to ...

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site +1

$46K - $158K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... As a professional engineer or scientist performing design, development, testing, and integration of ...

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site +1

$69K - $156K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional engineer or scientist ...

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

You will serve as an Engineer or Scientist within the Systems of Systems Engineering Branch ... Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ...

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA ยท On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... Degree: computer science; or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of ...

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Retired Scientist information

What does it mean to be a retired scientist?

A retired scientist is someone who has completed a career in scientific research, teaching, or applied science and has now officially left the workforce, often after reaching a certain age or fulfilling required years of service. While retired, many scientists continue to contribute to their field through consulting, mentoring, volunteering, or writing. Retirement gives scientists the opportunity to focus on personal interests, pursue hobbies, or stay intellectually engaged without the demands of a full-time job. Some also remain active in professional organizations or participate in public outreach to share their expertise.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a scientist?

To thrive as a Scientist, you need a solid educational background in a relevant scientific field, strong analytical skills, and experience conducting research. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Critical thinking, curiosity, and effective communication are essential soft skills that distinguish top scientists. These abilities are vital for producing reliable research, collaborating with peers, and advancing scientific knowledge.

What types of consulting or mentorship opportunities are available for retired scientists who wish to stay active in their field?

Retired scientists often find rewarding opportunities to contribute their expertise through consulting for research projects, serving on advisory boards, or mentoring early-career professionals and students. Many universities, non-profit organizations, and private companies value the depth of experience retired scientists bring, often engaging them in part-time or project-based roles. These activities not only allow retired professionals to stay updated with advances in their discipline, but also provide a flexible way to remain professionally active without the demands of full-time work.

What is the difference between Retired Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectRetired ScientistResearch Scientist
CredentialsTypically holds advanced degrees (PhD or equivalent)Usually requires a PhD or master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentOften no active work; may engage in consulting or mentoringActive research in labs, universities, or industry
Employer & Industry UsageFormer employees, consultants, or part-time rolesFull-time employment in research institutions or companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in retired professionals or consulting optionsIndividuals seeking active research roles or career info

In summary, a Retired Scientist is someone who has concluded their active research career, often engaging in consulting or mentoring, while a Research Scientist is actively involved in conducting research within labs or industry settings. The main difference lies in their current work status and engagement level in research activities.

What do retired scientists do?

Retired scientists often engage in activities such as consulting, mentoring, writing, or volunteering in educational or research organizations. Some continue to stay active in their field through part-time work, public speaking, or participating in scientific communities and conferences.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Retired Scientist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Retired Scientist job openings:

Exploitation Specialist (Data Scientist)

Quick Services LLC

Springfield, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Seeking an Exploitation Specialist (Data Scientist) to support a government customer's intelligence mission in Springfield, Virginia.
The successful candidate will apply data science, programming, and analytical skills to intelligence and GEOINT data, supporting data exploitation, analytic workflows, and the development and testing of new analytic methodologies.
GEO-SPI Level 3 Requirement: Candidates must meet 5 GEO-SPI experience points through one of the following:
  • 5 years of relevant experience; or
  • BS in a STEM field + 2 years of relevant experience; or
  • BS + MS in a STEM field.
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Willingness to undergo a CI polygraph
  • Ability to work 40 hours/week onsite in Springfield, VA ๏ฟฝ no telework
  • Knowledge of GEOINT collection and associated systems
  • Proficiency with Python and SQL
Preferred Qualifications
  • BS in Data Science or related field
  • Experience with multi-INT data
  • Experience applying machine learning to intelligence data
  • JavaScript, HTML, and CSS experience
  • Experience with JEMA or comparable tools such as ESRI ModelBuilder, Alteryx, or Tableau Prep
  • Ability to learn new technologies and develop/test analytic methodologies in a dynamic mission environment

Why work for QSL?
Our founders, Mel Wick and Bill Cronin, retired from storied careers in the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Community. Like many Americans and military veterans, they felt a strong desire to support the nation's response to the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in any way they could. They established QSL to do just that, Stay in the Fight! QSL is built on a SOF culture, emphasizing selfless-service and teamwork. Our employees work to ensure that warfighters have every possible resource and all necessary support to safely accomplish their missions in defense of our nation.
QSL's Benefit Package
Because we believe our employees are our most valuable asset, offering a competitive comprehensive compensation package is very important to us. It is the goal of QSL to attract and retain the highest level of experience and technical talent necessary for successful performance. In order to accomplish this, we feel that it is necessary to provide satisfying work, an excellent work environment, and we continually monitor the marketplace to ensure that our total compensation/benefit package remains competitive.
Listed below are some of our standard benefits. We combine all traditional paid time off (Federal holidays, sick time, leave time personal days, jury duty, bereavement, etc.) into one category which allows employees flexibility in how they use their leave time and enables them to better balance their career with their personal needs.
  • Combined Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
  • Disability (Short-Term and Long-Term)
  • Vision Insurance (CONUS-based employees)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices based on race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring, and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items. EEO/AAP, M, F, V, D.