R&D Engineering Technician -Transportation

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 Administration’s (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 policy—developing and evaluating cutting-edge systems for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. The lab’s culture values initiative, curiosity, collaboration, and a strong sense of public purpose. Learn more about STOL here!

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 STOL’s 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 You’ll 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 lab’s 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:

·         Bachelor’s 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 associate’s 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 driver’s 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: $85,000 - $105,000

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:

January 15, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $69,550.00 - $125,725.00

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.