Leidos is seeking an innovative and hands-on problem-solver to join our Saxton Lab Team as a Lead R&D Engineering Technician!

Our team operates the Federal Highway Administrations (FHWA) Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL) a USDOT research lab. STOL is a research and development center advancing the science of connected and automated vehicle technologies and digital roadway infrastructure. Our mission is to improve transportation safety mobility and environmental outcomes through innovation testing and real-world demonstrations.

We work at the intersection of engineering data and policydeveloping and evaluating cutting-edge systems for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. The labs culture values initiative curiosity collaboration and a strong sense of public purpose. Learnmore about STOLhere!

Location: This role will be expected to work full-time at the customer site in McLean VA

Candidates MUST:

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States with proof of legal status and be eligible for a Public Trust Clearance which includes three consecutive years in the United States within the last five years.

Why This Role Matters

The Lead R&D Engineering Technician plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that STOLs infrastructure testbed vehicle fleet and technical systems operate reliably safely and efficiently.

This is a hands-on role for an experienced technician who thrives in complex environments takes ownership of systems end-to-end and brings calm practical judgment to high-visibility testing and demonstration activities. Your work directly enables cutting-edge research and national transportation initiatives.

What Youll Do

Lab & Technical Operations Leadership

• Serve as a technical authority supporting day-to-day lab operations
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex cross-disciplinary technical issues
• Apply systems-engineering approaches to integrate hardware software and operational constraints

Infrastructure Testbed Vehicle Fleet & Equipment Systems

• Own the management and day-to-day operations of the labs Smart Garage and Infrastructure Testbed facilities
• Manage maintain and upgrade lab fleet vehicles and specialized research equipment
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving vehicle power communications sensors and control systems and physical network connectivity supporting testbed and lab operations

Systems Integration Fabrication & Installation

• Design fabricate and install technical solutions to support evolving research needs.
• Integrate electrical components computing hardware sensors communications equipment and test instrumentation into lab and field environments.
• Support configuration diagnostics and scripting activities (not full software development).

Safety Facilities & Compliance

• Coordinate safety training documentation and operational compliance.
• Partner with facilities teams on space management infrastructure readiness and logistics.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigations before they impact research or demos.

Demonstrations & Stakeholder Support

• Lead technical preparation and execution of lab tours demos and testing events.
• Interface with engineers program managers government clients vendors and partners.
• Serve as a steady technical lead during live demonstrations and high-pressure scenarios.

What Success Looks Like

• Lab vehicles systems and facilities are consistently reliable and well-documented.
• Demos and testing events execute smoothly with minimal last-minute escalation.
• Safety processes are clear effective and consistently applied.
• You are recognized as a trusted technical leader across the lab.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

Bachelors degree in electrical engineering Computer Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline with 5 years of progressively responsible hands-on technical experience in R&D automotive industrial or field-deployed systems environments

OR

Vocational associates degree with 8 years of equivalent hands-on technical experience demonstrating increasing responsibility and technical leadership

Technical Skills

Must have hands-on experience with mechanical electrical and integrated systems

Ability to test troubleshoot and repair complex electrical and communications systems

Working knowledge of computer networking fundamentals including physical-layer cabling (Ethernet and/or fiber) basic network configuration and hands-on testing and troubleshooting.

Experience with fabrication tools and test equipment

Strong practical systems-integration mindset

Professional Skills

Strong organization prioritization and time-management skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Physical & Field Work

This role may involve physical work in lab garage or field environments including lifting equipment and working around vehicles.

Security & Work Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance (three years of continuous U.S. residency required)

Valid drivers license and ability to pass a DMV background check

Must work full-time on site in McLean VA

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Experience supporting federally funded R&D or government contracting

Equipment certifications (e.g. forklift hoist bucket truck)

Experience with RF test equipment and vehicle communications systems

Familiarity with V2V / V2I technologies and protocols

Experience with generators freight vehicles or CDL licensing

Working knowledge of Python C MATLAB or similar tools for diagnostics

Key Attributes for Success

Thrives in a small fast-paced team where collaboration with engineers and researchers is routine

Demonstrates initiative accountability and strong follow-through

Recognizes interdependencies anticipates scheduling or workflow conflicts and proactively resolves them

Adapts quickly to evolving priorities while maintaining composure under deadlines

Eager to learn new technologies and contribute to the operational success of advanced transportation research

Anticipated Salary Range for this role: $85000 - $105000

If youre looking for comfort keep scrolling. At Leidos we outthink outbuild and outpace the status quo because the mission demands it. Were not hiring followers. Were recruiting the ones who disrupt provoke and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. Were already at step 30 and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.