Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead

Company: Leidos
Location: Reston
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

The Leidos Mission Solutions Business Area Office of Technology (OOT) under the INTEL SECTOR has an opening for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead. Position Summary The Mission Solutions Business Area (BA) AI Lead will serve as the lead AI strategist and practitioner across the Business Area, responsible for defining, aligning, and accelerating Artificial Intelligence strategy and execution across the Business Areas. This leader will drive mission-relevant, secure, and operationally deployable AI solutions that modernize intelligence tradecraft, accelerate mission software delivery, and deliver differentiated cyber and multi-INT capabilities at speed and scale. The MSBA AI Lead will collaborate with the BA Chief Technology Officer (CTO), BA solution architects, line managers and growth leaders to drive AI enabled solutions into program and mission operations, captures, proposals, and non-traditional acquisitions. The MSBA AI Lead will proactively establish relationships and meet with current and potential customers to demonstrate the company's credentials for solving problems with technically differentiated AI and advanced automation solutions. The MSBA AI Lead will partner with the broader Leidos Enterprise, AI research teams, and external partners to stay informed on and evangelize Leidos and industry’s AI capabilities, tailored to Mission Solutions Business Area audiences. As a key member of the CTO team, you will play a central role in shaping how AI is applied across mission systems—turning emerging technologies into actionable solutions that drive innovation, inform strategy, and differentiate Leidos in the market. The position will report to the CTO for the Mission Solutions Business Area. Primary Responsibilities •Work with BA CTO to define and execute the Mission Solutions Business Area AI Strategy aligned to Business Area growth priorities, customer mission needs, and SECTOR and Corporate AI direction. •Accelerate adoption of Agentic AI, Generative AI, AI-assisted software development, AI-enabled cyber operations, and multi-INT fusion platforms. •Ensure AI capabilities are mission-aligned across Intelligence Production & Analyst Workflows, TCPED modernization, mission software automation, cyber operations, and Information Operations platforms. •Partner with Solution Architects, Chief Architects, and Growth leaders to shape AI-infused solutions into captures and proposals. •Demonstrate ready-now AI platforms ahead of RFP release and support OTAs, CSOs, and outcome-based acquisition models. •Establish and maintain an AI Governance Framework ensuring secure and trusted AI deployment in classified and mission-critical environments. •Ensure Responsible AI practices, model evaluation standards, lifecycle risk management, and Zero Trust alignment. •Build and lead a community of AI practitioners across the Business Area, ensuring: •Every senior technical leader is conversant and proficient in AI-enabled mission solutions •Shared AI reference architectures, reusable components, and model libraries •Reuse of IP across programs •Transition AI prototypes (IRAD/CRAD) into operational programs at speed. •Lead technical demonstrations and prototypes to counter disruptors and position Leidos as a mission-ready AI integrator. •Actively support priority captures and recompetes by: •Writing and reviewing AI-enabled solutions •Coaching solution architects on the design and implementation of AI into bids and white papers •Engaging directly with IC and DoD customers to shape AI requirements Primary Focus Areas •Applied AI / Machine Learning Systems and Intelligence Automation •Intelligence and Data Analytics •Cybersecurity and Secure AI •Integration of AI into mission and enterprise architectures •Systems and Enterprise Engineering •Cloud and Digital Modernization Basic Qualifications •Master’s degree or Ph.D. and 15 years of experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field (or equivalent experience).Additional years experience may be used in lieu of a degree. •Minimum 15 years of experience in AI/ML, advanced analytics, or mission software engineering. •Demonstrated experience operationalizing AI in classified or mission-critical environments. •Experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP), multi-agent systems, and sentiment analysis. •Experience leading research and development related to the application of AI and automation into cyber operations (offensive, defensive, or information-operations) •Experience deploying Generative AI / LLMs, Knowledge Graphs or other technologies to improve analytic activities •Experience leading AI solutioning in capture and proposal efforts. •Proven experience working with distributed, highly technical teams. •US Citizen with Active TS/SCI with CI Poly. Preferred Qualifications •Well-developed strategic mindset with ability to communicate and inspire others. •Knowledge of DoD, Federal, and Intelligence Community customers. •5 years supporting U.S. Intelligence Community or DoD/DoW customers. •Experience modernizing TCPED workflows using AI. •Strong executive communication skills and ability to engage senior IC leadership. Why Leidos At Leidos, you’ll collaborate with forward-thinking experts across disciplines, apply emerging technologies to real mission challenges, and grow into a role that shapes the future of national security technology. If you are a creative, systems-level thinker who thrives at the intersection of technology, innovation, and national security—this is your opportunity to make an impact. Join us and define how AI moves from concept to mission impact. 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: March 31, 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 $154,050.00 - $278,475.00 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.

Keywords: Leidos, Charlottesville , Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead, IT / Software / Systems , Reston, Virginia