Leidos Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Leidos is a global leader in providing services and solutions in defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research, dedicated to improving the state of national security and enhancing the quality of life for communities worldwide.

As a Research Scientist at Leidos, you will play a crucial role in advancing innovative technology-based approaches, particularly in the fields of cyber security, network threat analysis, and critical infrastructure vulnerability assessment. This position necessitates collaboration with R&D customers in the Defense, National Security, and Intelligence Communities to identify and tackle emerging threats. You will be responsible for developing strategic business and technical goals that align with Leidos' commitment to addressing complex national security challenges.

Candidates for this role should possess a strong educational background in fields such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related disciplines, paired with substantial experience in cyber security and technical solutions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an ability to manage resources effectively to ensure the successful execution of research and development projects, while also showcasing excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts clearly to various stakeholders. A proven track record in building relationships within the Defense and Intelligence sectors is essential, as is the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the key skills and experiences that Leidos values in a Research Scientist, ensuring you approach the interview with confidence and clarity.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Leidos is designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several structured rounds, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's qualifications and experiences.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter over the phone. This conversation lasts about 25-30 minutes and focuses on your background, relevant experiences, and motivations for applying to Leidos. The recruiter will also provide an overview of the company and the specific role, allowing you to gauge if it aligns with your career goals.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may involve a panel of interviewers, including team members and technical leads. The focus here is on your expertise in areas such as cyber security, network threat analysis, and critical infrastructure vulnerability assessment. Expect to discuss your past projects in detail, including methodologies used and outcomes achieved. Technical questions may also cover specific tools and technologies relevant to the role.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step is often a behavioral interview, where interviewers assess your soft skills and cultural fit within the team. This round may include questions about how you handle challenges, work in teams, and communicate complex technical information. The goal is to understand how your values align with Leidos' mission and how you would contribute to the team dynamic.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with senior leadership or key stakeholders. This round is typically more strategic, focusing on your vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the company's goals. You may be asked to present a case study or discuss potential research directions based on current industry trends.

5. Decision and Offer

After the interviews, the hiring team will convene to discuss your performance across all rounds. If selected, you will receive an offer, which may include discussions about salary, benefits, and other employment terms. The decision-making process can take some time, so patience is key during this stage.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the specific skills and experiences that will be most relevant to the questions you may encounter.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Company Culture

Leidos values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to customer success. Familiarize yourself with their mission, vision, and values, as these will guide your interactions during the interview. Demonstrating alignment with these principles can set you apart as a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a cultural fit.

Prepare for Technical Discussions

Given the technical nature of the Research Scientist role, be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Highlight your experience in cyber security, network threat analysis, and critical infrastructure vulnerability assessment. Prepare to explain the methodologies you used, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

Emphasize Your Research Experience

Leidos looks for candidates with a proven research record. Be prepared to discuss your publications, presentations, and any collaborative projects you've been involved in. Highlight how your research has contributed to advancements in your field, particularly in areas relevant to national security and defense.

Showcase Your Customer Engagement Skills

The role requires strong relationship-building skills, especially within the Defense, National Security, and Intelligence communities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders in the past. Discuss how you identified their needs and how you tailored your solutions to meet those needs.

Be Ready for Panel Interviews

Interviews at Leidos may involve a panel format. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as you may be asked to respond to multiple interviewers. Engage with each panel member, making eye contact and addressing their questions directly to create a connection.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, current projects, and how the company is addressing emerging threats in cyber security. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Stay Calm and Confident

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but maintaining a calm demeanor will help you think clearly and respond effectively. Remember that the interview is as much about you assessing the company as it is about them evaluating you. Approach the conversation as a dialogue rather than an interrogation.

Follow Up

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention a key point from the interview that resonated with you. This will keep you top of mind and reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically skilled but also a great fit for the Leidos team. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at Leidos. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, experience in research, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Be prepared to discuss your past projects, methodologies, and how you can contribute to the company's mission in cyber security and related fields.

Experience and Background

1. Can you describe your experience in cyber security and how it relates to the role of a Research Scientist?

This question aims to assess your relevant experience and how it aligns with the company's focus on cyber security and research.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects or roles where you contributed to cyber security initiatives, emphasizing your technical skills and the impact of your work.

Example

“In my previous role, I led a team that developed a novel intrusion detection system that reduced false positives by 30%. This experience not only honed my technical skills in network security protocols but also taught me the importance of collaboration in achieving project goals.”

2. Describe a research project you led and the outcomes achieved.

This question evaluates your leadership and project management skills in a research context.

How to Answer

Discuss the project's objectives, your role, the methodologies used, and the results. Focus on how your leadership contributed to the project's success.

Example

“I spearheaded a project aimed at assessing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems. By employing a combination of penetration testing and vulnerability analysis, we identified key weaknesses that led to the development of a more robust security framework, ultimately enhancing the system's resilience.”

Technical Skills

3. What methodologies do you use for vulnerability analysis?

This question tests your technical knowledge and practical experience in vulnerability assessment.

How to Answer

Explain the methodologies you are familiar with, providing examples of how you have applied them in past projects.

Example

“I typically use a combination of static and dynamic analysis techniques for vulnerability assessment. For instance, in a recent project, I utilized static code analysis tools to identify potential security flaws in the software before conducting dynamic testing to validate the findings in a real-world environment.”

4. How do you stay updated with the latest trends in cyber security?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Mention specific resources, such as journals, conferences, or online courses, that you utilize to keep your knowledge current.

Example

“I regularly attend industry conferences like Black Hat and DEF CON, and I subscribe to several cyber security journals. Additionally, I participate in online forums and webinars to engage with other professionals and share insights on emerging threats and technologies.”

Communication and Collaboration

5. Can you provide an example of how you communicated complex technical information to a non-technical audience?

This question evaluates your communication skills, particularly in translating technical jargon into understandable terms.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully conveyed complex information, focusing on your approach and the audience's understanding.

Example

“During a project briefing with stakeholders, I used visual aids and analogies to explain our findings on network vulnerabilities. By relating the concepts to everyday scenarios, I ensured that everyone grasped the implications of our research, which facilitated informed decision-making.”

6. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team. What was your role?

This question assesses your teamwork and collaboration skills, which are crucial in a research environment.

How to Answer

Discuss your role in the team, the dynamics of collaboration, and the outcomes of the project.

Example

“I worked on a project with engineers and data scientists to develop a machine learning model for threat detection. My role involved bridging the gap between the technical and research teams, ensuring that our model was not only effective but also aligned with the practical needs of our end-users.”

Problem-Solving and Innovation

7. How do you approach problem-solving in your research?

This question evaluates your analytical thinking and problem-solving strategies.

How to Answer

Describe your systematic approach to identifying and addressing research challenges.

Example

“I start by clearly defining the problem and gathering relevant data. Then, I analyze the information to identify patterns or anomalies. For instance, in a recent project, I encountered unexpected results in our data analysis, which led me to re-evaluate our methodology and ultimately refine our approach to achieve more accurate outcomes.”

8. What innovative solutions have you developed in your previous roles?

This question assesses your creativity and ability to contribute to the advancement of technology.

How to Answer

Share specific examples of innovative solutions you have developed, focusing on their impact and relevance to the field.

Example

“I developed a novel algorithm for real-time threat detection that significantly improved response times. By integrating machine learning techniques, we were able to analyze network traffic patterns and identify anomalies more efficiently, which enhanced our overall security posture.”