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Senior Director Semiconductor Jobs in Reston, VA

Leidos

Sr. Photonics Scientist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

... on direct government programs. This role will take the lead in performing testing and ... Experience with PDKs, semiconductor or nanofabrication processing, and packaging of photonic ...

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$26K

$83.5K

$170.1K

How much do senior director semiconductor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior director semiconductor in Reston, VA is $83,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $107,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior director semiconductor do?

A Senior Director Semiconductor leads teams and oversees operations within a semiconductor company or division, focusing on strategy, product development, and business growth. They are responsible for setting technical direction, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with company goals. This role often involves collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and executive leadership to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. Senior Directors are also key decision-makers in investments, partnerships, and technology roadmaps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior director semiconductor?

To thrive as a Senior Director in the Semiconductor industry, you need deep expertise in semiconductor design, manufacturing processes, and business strategy, typically supported by an advanced engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with EDA tools, process simulation software, and supply chain management systems is essential, along with knowledge of relevant certifications like Six Sigma or PMP. Strong leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial to drive innovation, ensure operational excellence, and lead large teams in a highly competitive, fast-evolving sector.

What are the main challenges a senior director semiconductor faces when leading cross-functional teams?

Senior Directors in the semiconductor industry often navigate complex challenges when coordinating cross-functional teams, particularly due to the fast-paced nature of technological advancements and the need for seamless collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, and business units. Aligning diverse teams toward shared goals, managing tight project timelines, and balancing innovation with operational efficiency are key hurdles. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to foster a collaborative culture across global teams, all while ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

What is the difference between Senior Director Semiconductor vs Vice President Semiconductor?

AspectSenior Director SemiconductorVice President Semiconductor
ResponsibilitiesOversees specific departments or projects, manages teams, and implements strategic plansSets overall strategic direction, leads multiple departments, and influences company-wide decisions
CredentialsTypically requires extensive industry experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skillsRequires similar credentials but with more executive-level experience and proven leadership
Work EnvironmentOperates within engineering and product teams, reports to senior executivesWorks closely with C-level executives, involved in high-level strategic planning
Industry UsageCommon in large semiconductor companies and tech firmsFound in executive leadership teams across the semiconductor industry

The main difference between a Senior Director Semiconductor and a Vice President Semiconductor lies in scope and strategic influence. While Senior Directors focus on managing specific departments and projects, Vice Presidents hold broader executive responsibilities, shaping company-wide strategies and decisions.

What job categories do people searching Senior Director Semiconductor jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Director Semiconductor jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Director Semiconductor jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Director Semiconductor job openings:

Senior Director Semiconductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Director Semiconductor job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,527 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Sr. Photonics Scientist

Leidos

Arlington, VA • On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Description

Job Description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Sr Photonics Scientist in our INTEL Sector's Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA).  Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more.  Join us and make a difference in National Security!  

The Sr. Photonics Scientist will be based in our Arlington, VA office to further advance our test and design capabilities in integrated photonics both internally and on direct government programs. This role will take the lead in performing testing and characterization of edge-coupled integrated quantum photonic devices. In addition, you may perform simulation and design work to build high-fidelity models for these photonic devices, which fall in the areas of Quantum Sensing and Networking. In this position, you will collaborate closely with other circuit designers and test engineers to understand requirements and provide the necessary support to ensure successful completion of project goals and tasks. The candidate will be responsible for developing and applying new approaches in integrated photonics on topics such as non-linear optics, electro-optics, frequency conversion, and single photon detection. ***This is a hybrid role and there will be opportunities to be able to do some work remotely***

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop innovative approaches to integrated photonics for component modeling, design, and testing.

  • Perform open-ended numerical optimizations in the areas of photonics and quantum science.

  • Design photonic circuits through script-based creation of CAD files.

  • Design, construct, and operate all necessary PIC probing hardware set-ups and components.

  • Characterize photonic circuit components on edge-coupled and grating-coupled devices using specialized probing hardware.

  • Research and evaluate emerging photonic technologies.

  • Participate in scientific meetings and publish in peer-reviewed literature.

  • Work collegially with a talented team of peers as well as university and government collaborators.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or a similar technical field with 8-12 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with 6-10 years of industry experience.

  • Experience with optimization of photonic components using simulation tools (COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent).

  • Experience designing and building optical probing hardware set-ups, developing PIC test plans, and characterizing photonic circuit components.

  • Research experience in the areas of nonlinear optics, atomic physics, quantum information science, and/or quantum photonics.

  • Strong proficiency in Python programming and object-oriented programming.

  • Familiarity with GDS factory or similar design tools.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and ability to work independently on complex tasks and lead technical efforts.

  • Strong technical writing and communication skills.

  • Must be a US CITIZEN and be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in physics, applied physics, engineering, or other equivalent area of expertise.

  • Experience with PDKs, semiconductor or nanofabrication processing, and packaging of photonic integrated circuits.

  • Experience conceptualizing and implementing new networking approaches and protocols.

  • Experience with quantum sensing or communications.

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:September 2, 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 $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

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.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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About Leidos

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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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