1

Retired Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER/SCIENTIST

Dahlgren, VA · 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 ...

SCIENTIST

Newport, RI · On-site +1

$101K - $156K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... sciences. or * Combination of education and experience course work as shown in A above, plus ...

SCIENTIST

Indian Head, MD · On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... Professional and Scientific Standards: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including ...

Showing results 41-60

Retired Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do retired scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.
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:

What job categories do people searching Retired Scientist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Retired Scientist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Retired Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Full Time, and 95% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

SCIENTIST with Security Clearance

Department of the Navy

Indian Head, MD • On-site

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * You will perform analysis of data sets generated by Ordnance Assessment (OA) Test and Evaluations conducted throughout the Navy. * You will prepare routine metrics to support data calls and program reviews. * You will prepare tables, charts and graphs in support of OA reports, program plans and presentations. * You will perform scientific work and provide professional consultation in applying statistical theories, techniques, and methods to gather, analyze, interpret, and/or report quantified information. * You will support upkeep and maintenance of Rockets OA Planning Models. 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 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. * This is a Cyberspace Workforce position, work role code (AI/ML), proficiency level (Intermediate) the incumbent is required to obtain and maintain qualifications in DoDM 8140.03 Cyber Workforce Qualification and Department of Navy policies. * This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA). Certification in the Functional Area and Tier assigned to the position, along with Continuous Learning (CL) points, are required within established timeframes. * 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 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-03 (GS-09/11 equivalent) grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: as a professional scientist, performing mathematical and statistical theories, techniques, or analysis to support ordnance assessment in data management, statistical analysis, or modeling for weapon systems. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: Mathematics Series, 1520: Professional and Scientific Standards: 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 the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must posses: 1520 MATHEMATICS SERIES: Degree: mathematics; or the equivalent of a major that included at least 24 semester hours in mathematics. OR Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in mathematics (including at least 24 semester hours in mathematics), as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. 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. During the application process you will have the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy. If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation. ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category (score 85) or higher. ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal; and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position. Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized.

What United States Navy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Navy logo

About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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

Social media