The Intel Sector AI Lead will serve as the lead AI strategist and practitioner across the Sector, responsible for defining, aligning, and accelerating Artificial Intelligence strategy and execution across all Business Areas (BAs). Location is Reston (or other Northern Virginia location as required).

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 Sector AI Lead will collaborate with all BA Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), line managers and growth leaders to drive AI enabled solutions into program and mission operations, captures, proposals, and non-traditional acquisitions. The Sector 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 Sector AI Lead CTO 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 Intel Sector audiences.

• Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the Intel Sector AI Strategy aligned to Sector growth priorities, customer mission needs, 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, GEOINT automation, cyber operations, and Information Operations platforms.

• Partner with Business Area CTOs, 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 Sector, 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

• Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree 15+ or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 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 managing distributed, highly technical teams.

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.

• Desired 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.

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 4, 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.