Principal Scientist

Galois, Inc.

• $130K — $160K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field with a strong research background.
  • Expertise in at least one of the key research areas: Digital Engineering, AI/ML/Data Science, Software Analysis, or Cryptography.
  • Demonstrated success in obtaining external research funding and managing projects.
  • Exceptional technical writing and communication skills for translating complex concepts to clients.
  • Experience mentoring teams and fostering innovation in technical environments.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of externally funded research programs with active client engagement.
  • Set and define research roadmaps that leverage formal methods in your area of expertise.
  • Cultivate partnerships across various sectors to enhance R&D initiatives.
  • Establish yourself as a thought leader through publications and presentations.
  • Mentor junior team members, promoting an inclusive and innovative culture.

Benefits

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) plan with 5% employer match and immediate vesting
  • Fully paid medical insurance, along with dental and vision reimbursement
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with substantial employer contributions
  • Robust mental health support via an employee assistance program
  • Five weeks of paid time off plus nine paid holidays annually
  • 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents
  • One week of paid 'Blue Sky' time per year for personal projects
Full Job Description
About This Role

Principal Scientists drive a research agenda and develop R&D opportunities at the intersection of Formal Methods and one or more of our four Research Areas:
  • Rigorous Digital Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science
  • Software & Systems Analysis
  • Advanced Cryptography and Privacy

In this role, you will lead externally-funded research programs, engage directly with government and industry clients, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate your research into deployable solutions that solve real-world challenges. You'll publish and present your findings, mentor junior staff, and help set the national and global agenda for trustworthy systems.

What You'll Bring
  • Formal Methods Experience: Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a track record of high-quality research (publications, patents, or open-source tools) in formal verification, theorem proving, static analysis, or related areas.
  • Domain Mastery: Demonstrated expertise in at least one of our four research areas with evidence of applied projects or publications.
  • Funding & Program Leadership: Proven success securing external research grants or contracts, and managing projects from proposal to delivery.
  • Client Engagement & Communication: Exceptional technical writing and presentation skills; experience translating research outcomes into clear, compelling solutions for government or industry partners.
  • Collaborative Mentorship: A passion for coaching and inspiring technical teams, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, innovation, and ownership.

Responsibilities
  • Program Development: Develop and lead an externally funded research program involving frequent client and government agency interactions.
  • Technical Leadership: Define research roadmaps that integrate formal methods with your domain expertise.
  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: Build partnerships across Galois, academia, government, and industry to advance active research and development programs.
  • Thought Leadership: Publish and speak on your work, establishing a reputation for thought leadership in your domain of expertise.
  • Mentorship: Guide junior engineers and cultivate an inclusive environment where diverse ideas flourish.
Eligibility & Clearance
  • Must be willing to undergo a security investigation and will need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information (Active clearance strongly preferred)
  • Must not require a U.S. government export license to authorize access to export-controlled technology and software required to perform this role.
Location

We enjoy a hybrid work environment, and candidates may be based out of any of our offices in Arlington, VA, Dayton, OH, Minneapolis, MN, or Portland, OR. Additionally, being located in Boston, MA is also welcome.
Benefits

We offer a robust benefits package to provide for your and your family's well-being, including:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer match and immediate vesting
  • Fully paid medical insurance plans and dental and vision reimbursement plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with generous employer contributions
  • Mental health and wellbeing support through our employee assistance program
  • 5 weeks of paid time off and 9 days of paid company holidays each year
  • 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave (available for new parents for birth, adoption, and fostering)
  • 1 week of fully paid "Blue Sky" innovation time each year to pursue your interests

For more information on our benefits, visit Careers at Galois.
Compensation

Compensation is based on the value of your results, not your value as an employee or person. The compensation process, individual salaries, and criteria for salary changes are transparent to the entire company.

For more information about our forward-looking and transparent approach to pay, visit Compensation.

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