Full Job Description
The Senior Scientist will assist in quantum information science (QIS)-based research being performed at the FISTA, in Lawton, Oklahoma. The Senior Scientist will be tasked with supervising a technical team located at a Leidos research facility. The technical team will be developing a variety of demonstration systems for the customer. In addition to team supervision, the Scientist will also be tasked with participating in R&D along with various program development tasks. ***This position will be based in Huntsville, AL at the start of the position and the individual will be required to relocate to Lawton, OK within 8-12 month timeframe***
Responsibilities will include supervising and participation in the building and testing of quantum-based communications and sensing systems along with managing collaborations with sub-contractor partners at the University of Oklahoma.
• Expertise in optical systems is not required but basic familiarity with optics is preferred.
• The position may require short periods of travel within the US., primarily to other Leidos facilities in DC and Huntsville, AL.
• Potential employee should be comfortable communicating technical work, both orally and written to subject matter experts and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with proposal processes and white paper writing is a plus.
• Presenting complex material to non-technical governmental and military audiences.
• Provide regular updates to the group lead in Huntsville, AL.
Required Qualifications:
• Must hold a PhD in physics, optics, quantum information science (QIS), or some related field and 4+ years of related work experience.
• Candidate must be proficient with experimental quantum mechanical systems used in sensing or communications applications.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Applicant must be able to work in Huntsville, AL for 8-12 month timeframe and then relocate to Lawton, OK.
• Must be a US Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Expertise in an applicable field of quantum physics/QIS, either theoretical or experimental.
• Familiarity with Python, Matlab, Mathematica, LabVIEW, C#, or any optical modeling program.
• Experience in the theory and design of experimental quantum systems for sensing/communications applications.
• Experience in setting up lab equipment for optical and quantum experiments.
Original Posting:
May 28, 2026
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.