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Senior Scientist Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Computer Scientist Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation ...

SOSi is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join our analytics team working on an innovative MLOps workload leveraging cutting-edge technologies and supporting a government customer in ...

SOSi is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join our analytics team working on an innovative MLOps workload leveraging cutting-edge technologies and supporting a government customer in ...

SOSi is seeking a highly skilled Data Scientist to join our analytics team working on an innovative MLOps workload leveraging cutting-edge technologies and supporting a government customer in ...

Data Scientist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Data Scientist - Airworthiness Test and Evaluation Leidos' Defense Systems RF Systems Division is ... Ability to create and present briefs and technical documentation for senior leadership. All ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Scientist information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$62.3K

$103.6K

$154.2K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Decatur, AL is $103,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $117,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior scientist?

A senior scientist is a research professional who oversees a lab or the development of a research project and directs other scientists and assistants to carry out tasks on the project. In an academic setting, your duties and responsibilities also include overseeing doctoral dissertations and teaching classes. As a senior scientist, you can work in many industries outside academia, including the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and medical products industries. Due to the variety of employment options, your exact duties can change from job to job.

What does a senior scientist do?

Senior Scientists play a crucial role in cross-functional teams by providing deep subject-matter expertise, designing experiments, and interpreting complex data to drive project outcomes. They often collaborate closely with research associates, project managers, and professionals from regulatory, quality, and manufacturing departments. Effective communication and the ability to translate scientific findings for non-technical stakeholders are essential aspects of their daily work. This collaborative environment allows Senior Scientists to influence project direction and mentor junior team members while advancing their own leadership skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Scientist, you need advanced expertise in your scientific field, a relevant Ph.D. or equivalent experience, and a strong track record of research accomplishments. Familiarity with laboratory management software, data analysis tools, and often regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you lead teams, collaborate across disciplines, and secure funding. These abilities are crucial for driving innovative research, ensuring rigorous scientific standards, and advancing organizational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior ScientistResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically PhD in relevant field, extensive research experienceUsually Master's or PhD, early to mid-career research experience
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, mentors junior staff, collaborates across teamsConducts experiments, data analysis, supports research projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, R&D divisionsUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D

In summary, Senior Scientists generally have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and mentorship roles compared to Research Scientists, who focus more on conducting experiments and supporting research activities.

How much does a senior scientist earn?

A senior scientist's salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on industry, location, experience, and education level. They often have advanced degrees and specialized skills in research, data analysis, or laboratory techniques, which can influence compensation.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL?

For Senior Scientist jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Senior Scientist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Senior Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,867 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Senior Computer Scientist

KBR, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Senior Computer Scientist
Program Summary
KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide.
Job Summary
As a Senior Computer Scientist, you will play a critical role performing research, developing models and simulations, optimizing software efficiency, and analyzing results. You will work as part of a collaborative team of engineers and software developers to develop models and simulations of defense systems. Applicants will also be tasked with developing a simulation framework to ensure operability between various simulations including developing, testing, and maintaining interfaces and APIs. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and enjoys researching and developing new skills.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop software in conjunction with engineering team to simulate defensive systems.
  • Lead software development teams.
  • Use configuration management tools such as GIT, Gitlab, or DevOps as part of the software development process.
  • Use Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD), DEVSECOPs, and Agile processes to meet development goals.
  • Develop containers and Kubernetes for software deployments.
  • Optimize software for run-time performance.
  • Lead simulation framework activities including development of APIs.
  • Perform software testing.

Qualifications and Skills Requirements:
  • Computer science degree from accredited university.
  • 6-8 years of experience.
  • Ability to obtain and/or maintain a DoD secret clearance.
  • Programming experience in Python and C/C++.
  • Experience with GIT, Gitlab, or DevOps (or similar) required.
  • Experience with containerization and Kubernetes required.
  • Linux and Windows software development environments experience.
  • Experience with missile defense systems is highly desirable.
  • Experience in physics-based models and simulations preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong social skills, and ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members, leadership, and customers.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998