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Retired Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$101.40K - $156.76K/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 ...

College students and college graduates in any area of EDUCATION, SCIENCE, OR ENGINEERING, preferred, but not a must * Energetic retired and in transition applicants are welcome Apply now! We look ...

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Showing results 1-20

Retired Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do retired scientist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for retired scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 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.

More about Retired Scientist jobs
What cities are hiring for Retired Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Retired Scientist job openings:
What states have the most Retired Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Retired Scientist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Retired Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.
ENGINEER/SCIENTIST with Security Clearance

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST with Security Clearance

Department of the Navy

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


United States Navy rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * You will provide expertise to existing and new programs in the design of ammunition and planning of qualification programs early in the acquisition lifecycle. * You will establish guidelines and templates for qualification of guided and conventional munitions, including system safety and qualification - testing processes. * You will foster collaborative relationships between the munition design and safety communities to identify and implement improvements to qualification processes and timelines.

* You will lead technical reviews across multiple levels and multiple programs within the organization. * You will review developmental and scientific engineering change proposals for their impact on engineering concepts, design, safety, and performance. * You will mentor novice and journeyman ammunition engineers supporting workforce development by maintaining and teaching technical short courses and developing an expanded curriculum for advanced ammunition concepts.

* You will serve as the technical expert and point of contact for the Navy regarding small, intermediate, and major caliber conventional and guided ammunition. * You will maintain and update applicable technical manuals, tactical memos and training documentation for fleet operational use of ammunition and related systems. Requirements Conditions of employment * Must be a US Citizen.

* Must be determined suitable for federal employment. * Must participate in the direct deposit pay program. * New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.

To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov * Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326. * Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. * You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final Top Secret/SCI security clearance prior to entrance on duty.

Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. * MSP/PPP applicants must currently hold the required security clearance. * Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (including marijuana) is required.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if you fail to report to the drug test appointment or fail the test. You will be subject to random testing. * You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment polygraph examination.

* You will be required to complete ethics orientation within three months of appointment and submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, within 30 days of appointment. * This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. You will be required to sign a DD-Form-2760, Qualification to possess firearms or ammunition.

* This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time. Qualifications This is an interdisciplinary position and may be filled by a General Engineer (0801-series), a General Physical Scientist (1301-series), a Physicist (1310-series), a Mathematician (1520-series), or a Computer Scientist (1550-series) depending upon the qualifications of the candidate.

Applicants in positions with occupational series other than those listed (0801, 1301, 1310, 1520 and 1550) may apply; however, you must apply directly to the series listed in this vacancy that is most applicable to your qualifications. In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the ND-4 pay band (GS-12 and GS-13 equivalency) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Working as a professional engineer or scientist leading or participating in Navy ammunition qualification.

Examples of qualifying experience may include (1) serving as a technical expert for ammunition qualification and certification programs, (2) defending technical baselines and assessing risk before senior executive safety review panels, such as the Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board (WSESRB), and (3) oversight over comprehensive ammunition qualification programs to ensure compliance with rigorous DoD and NAVSEA safety, performance, and survivability standards. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

Education Applicants must meet at least one of the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: * Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Degree: A professional engineering degree from an ABET-accredited college or university; OR a degree with curriculum in differential and integral calculus, with additional courses in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics; or electronics; OR * Professional Engineering Series (08XX) - Substitution of Education/Experience: A combination of education and experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering; and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: (a) professional registration, (b) evidence of successfully passing the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination; (c) successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified above; or (d) successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering provided that it included at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. (Note to Applicants: Please see the Qualifications & Education sections of this announcement for a link to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements.

OPM guidance indicates that there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience. This training plan or experience must be well documented and provided at time of application.); OR * 1301-General Physical Science Series: A degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics; or education equivalent to one of the majors shown above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education; OR * 1310-Physics Series: A degree in physics; or a related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics; or a combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Your coursework must have included a fundamental course in general physics and, in addition, courses in any two of the following: electricity and magnetism, heat, light, mechanics, modern physics, and sound.

* 1520-Mathematics Series: A degree in mathematics; or a combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), plus appropriate experience or additional education. The total coursework described above must have included differential and integral calculus and, in addition, four advanced mathematics courses requiring calculus or equivalent mathematics courses as a prerequisite; OR * 1550-Computer Science Series: A degree in computer science; or a degree with at least 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of these 30 semester hours must have been in a combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus.

Additional information This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program. Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement. A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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