Characterization Engineer

The Leidos Intelligence Group has an opening for a Characterization Engineer in Reston, Virginia. We are seeking a versatile Mid-Level Engineer to bridge the gap between facility design engineering and intelligence analysis.

In this role, you will synthesize incomplete and often contradictory information from intelligence and open sources related to global facilities, construction, and infrastructure. By applying engineering subject matter expertise, you will deconflict data, develop high-fidelity 3D/BIM models, and systematically identify structural, physical, and operational vulnerabilities using structured assessment methodologies.

Work will be performed in a fast-paced, high-energy environment inside a government facility.

Primary Responsibilities

Data Synthesis and Deconfliction
Analyze fragmented and contradictory data derived from open-source research and intelligence reporting. Deconflict discrepancies to build a cohesive understanding of a facility's true layout, design, and operational characteristics.

Engineering Assessment
Conduct detailed technical assessments of structural design, material properties, physical protective measures, and overall infrastructure resilience.

Vulnerability and Risk Analysis
Evaluate modeled facilities to identify critical vulnerabilities, engineering flaws, structural weaknesses, single points of failure, and gaps in physical protective measures. Apply industry-standard threat and vulnerability assessment frameworks to quantify facility exposure and potential failure modes.

3D Modeling and Digital Delivery
Translate engineering assessments into highly accurate 3D environments and BIM models. Use advanced software suites such as SolidWorks, Revit, or comparable tools to visualize structural systems and highlight areas of potential vulnerability.

Subject Matter Expertise
Provide actionable technical insights on construction techniques, structural mechanics, and material behaviors to support cross-functional teams evaluating facility threats, vulnerabilities, and operational designs.

Reporting
Document and present engineering findings, risk profiles, vulnerability matrices, and modeled environments through detailed technical reports, structural schematics, and 3D visual outputs for stakeholders.

Required Skills, Education, Experience, and Clearance:

• Active and in-scope TS/SCI clearance required to start and willingness/ability to complete a polygraph after hire. U.S. citizenship required.
• Requires expert knowledge of, and the ability to apply, advanced technical principles, theories, and concepts.
• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, or a closely related technical field and 8+ years of prior relevant experience, or a master's degree with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Relevant experience includes professional experience in facility design, structural engineering, infrastructure analysis, or physical security engineering.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing 3D models and technical drawings using SolidWorks, Revit, or other advanced BIM software.
• Experience identifying structural failure points, blast or kinetic vulnerabilities, or facility utility dependencies, including HVAC, power, and water systems, from incomplete engineering data.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, material properties, and protective design measures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting formal physical security, blast mitigation, or infrastructure risk analysis.
• Familiarity with Intelligence Community data, geospatial data, GIS, or open-source intelligence gathering.
• Certifications such as Professional Engineer, Certified BIM Professional, or related technical credentials.
• Familiarity with threat and vulnerability risk assessment frameworks, such as:
  
  • FEMA Building Vulnerability Assessment Checklist, including FEMA 452/P-452
  • CISA Infrastructure Survey Tool or Integrated Rapid Visual Screen
  • DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, UFC 4-010-01
  • General Hazard Vulnerability Analysis or critical infrastructure risk modeling

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:
June 30, 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.