Chemist / Scientist

Leidos is looking for a talented Chemist / Scientist / Physicist to join our Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) division in Tewksbury, MA . Come join our cross-functional engineering team using cutting edge technology to develop truly novel solutions that make travel and trade safer, healthier, and more efficient on a global level. Leidos SES leverages industry leading screening technologies, AI/ML capabilities and advanced biometric tools to provide automated threat detection for weapons, narcotics, explosives, contraband, and undeclared goods, as well as nuclear and radioactive materials.

The Chemist / Scientist / Physicist will design innovative analytical field instruments which will be used to support applications for trace explosives and narcotics detection. We are looking for someone with strong experience on analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers, ion mobility spectrometry. This person will work closely with different disciplines such as software and hardware development groups to develop next generation trace detection products.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work directly with technical teams advising them on instrumentation design and usability;
• Support product development by conducting tests as necessary for critical decision points;
• Able to initiate and execute on scientific research with an emphasis on developing and improving detection technology, such as ionization, IMS drift tube design, Mass Spectrometry, ...
• Write test protocols and conduct validation testing;
• Experience in IMS and MS theory and applications preferred;
• Excellent documentation and communication skills are required;
• Ability to work on multiple tasks and projects;
• Conduct and coordinate in-house test and evaluation of IMS instruments;
• Provide onsite or offsite testing on IMS equipment;
• Perform in-house or customer site applications experiments with IMS instruments;
• Monitor and support IMS and MS instruments throughout their testing and validation phase performed by various independent government agencies;
• Make presentations or write technical papers on IMS instruments, techniques, and applications during conferences and symposia;
• This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities, other tasks will be assigned as necessary.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience, or master's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of education.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance (US citizenship required).
• Experience in applications and/or development in analytical instrumentations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent teamwork ethic;
• Strong problem solving and creative skills;
• Must be a team player with good people and leadership skills and ability to mentor;
• Good organizational skills being able to multitask on multiple development projects;
• Proficient with Windows applications Win XP Pro;
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Able to travel as required (15% - 25%

The Leidos Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) team has developed a suite of integrated solutions for aviation, ports, borders, and critical infrastructure customers around the world. We have more than 24,000 products deployed across 120 countries, including best-in-class security checkpoint and inspection systems for people, checked baggage and more.

Check out the links below to learn more about Security Enterprise Solutions (SES)

Original Posting:
July 23, 2025
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 $72,150.00 - $130,425.00

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.