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Senior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

ERG

Senior Scientist/Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$65 - $180/hr

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites ...

Entarian

Senior Scientist/ Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites, including characterizing, and ...

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All JobsScientist JobsSenior Scientist JobsSenior Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA

Senior Scientist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$69.2K

$115K

$171.1K

How much do senior scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior scientist in Reston, VA is $115,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,200.00 and $130,000.00 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.
More about Senior Scientist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA?

For Senior Scientist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Senior Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Scientist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,006 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Senior Scientist/Engineer

ERG

Alexandria, VA • Remote

$65 - $180/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

ERG seeks a senior scientist/engineer to support our work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We support research projects for federal and non-profit clients and seek support on projects focused on characterizing hazardous waste sites and evaluating remedial alternatives. The position will involve close collaboration with diverse practices across ERG.

Job Description:
  • This position involves providing research support on research projects for the U.S. EPA, states, and nonprofit organizations
  • This will require reviews of Superfund site documents, mathematical modeling, and report writing and editing. In addition, the position involves frequent collaborative work with employees from related disciplines
  • Data analysis and interpretation of scientific results will be required for some projects
Qualifications and Skills:
  • Ph.D. plus 5 years of experience with hazardous waste remediation
  • Strong written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills
  • Applied experience with quantitative research activities in an academic or professional setting
  • Experience developing written products for technical and non-technical audiences
ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  

Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com.  ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment. 

If you’re a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG’s online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at Resumes-Lex@erg.com or call (781) 674-7293. 

ERG fosters a friendly, flexible work environment. ERGers are dedicated to serving clients who are committed to making the world a better place. We promote and recognize principles of fairness and respect in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.