Senior Software Engineer/Physicist

Leidos addresses some of the nation's toughest defense challenges through innovative signal processing and data analytics. Our San Diego-based team consists of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on extracting maximum intelligence from complex datasets derived from diverse sensing modalities. We seek a talented Sr. Software Engineer/Physicist who thrives in algorithm research, development, and implementation. The ideal candidate is creative, efficient, collaborates well, and is passionate about bringing solutions from concept to delivery. Leidos is an employee-friendly company with a competitive benefit package, flexible working hours, and a collegial atmosphere.

Primary Responsibilities

• Research and develop novel algorithms for remote sensing applications
• Prototype and test algorithms in high-level languages such as Matlab or Python
• Devise efficient software implementations in C/ C++ programming language
• Conduct algorithm performance testing and analysis
• Document results and brief customers and stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in physics, engineering, applied mathematics or related field with 8-12 years of relevant experience, or Masters with 6-10 years of relevant experience, or Doctoral degree if less than 6 years of experience
• Demonstrate expertise in C/C++ coding/ development and software engineering best practices
• Fluency in high-level programming languages, such as Matlab or Python
• Experience with signal processing, including Fourier transforms, filtering, and estimation
• Strong understanding of physics with ability and eagerness to learn new concepts
• Proficiency in Linux cluster computing environments
• Strong understanding of probability, statistics, linear algebra, and complex variables
• Active Top Secret security clearance
• Required on-site full-time work in San Diego, CA

Bonus Qualifications

• Proficiency with at least one sensing modality
• Experience with Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS)
• Experience with Optics
• Experience with Radar
• Proficiency with C coding and software engineering best practices
• Deep understanding of optimal detection and estimation
• Deep understanding of array processing, beamforming, including concepts and implementation
• Experience architecting algorithms and hardware for maximal efficiency
• Experience with real-time processing with edge and cloud components
• Experience integrating Machine Learning with signal processing
• Experience with systems engineering
• Exposure or strong interest in learning embedded programming

SUBSEAMSS

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:
February 9, 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.