Principal Scientist

About This Role

Principal Scientists drive a research agenda and develop R&D opportunities at the intersection of Formal Methods and one or more of our four Research Areas
:

• Rigorous Digital Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science
• Software & Systems Analysis
• Advanced Cryptography and Privacy

In this role, you will lead externally‑funded research programs, engage directly with government and industry clients, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate your research into deployable solutions that solve real‑world challenges. You’ll publish and present your findings, mentor junior staff, and help set the national and global agenda for trustworthy systems.

• Formal Methods
  
  Experience:
  
  Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a track record of high‑quality research (publications, patents, or open‑source tools) in formal verification, theorem proving, static analysis, or related areas.
• Domain Mastery: Demonstrated expertise in at least one of our four research areas with evidence of applied projects or publications.
• Funding & Program Leadership: Proven success securing external research grants or contracts, and managing projects from proposal to delivery.
• Client Engagement & Communication: Exceptional technical writing and presentation skills; experience translating research outcomes into clear, compelling solutions for government or industry partners.
• Collaborative Mentorship: A passion for coaching and inspiring technical teams, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, innovation, and ownership.

• Program Development: Develop and lead an externally funded research program involving frequent client and government agency interactions.
• Technical Leadership: Define research roadmaps that integrate formal methods with your domain expertise.
• Cross‑Sector
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Build partnerships across Galois, academia, government, and industry to advance active research and development programs.
• Thought Leadership: Publish and speak on your work, establishing a reputation for thought leadership in your domain of expertise.
• Mentorship: Guide junior engineers and cultivate an inclusive environment where diverse ideas flourish.

• Must be willing to undergo a security investigation and will need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information (Active clearance strongly preferred).
• Must not require a U.S. government export license to authorize access to export‑controlled technology and software required to perform this role.

We enjoy a hybrid work environment, and candidates may be based out of any of our offices in Arlington, VA, Dayton, OH, Minneapolis, MN, or Portland, OR. Additionally, being located in Boston, MA is also welcome.

We offer a robust benefits package to provide for your and your family’s well‑being, including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement plan with 5% employer match and immediate vesting
• Fully paid medical insurance plans and dental and vision reimbursement plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with generous employer contributions
• Mental health and wellbeing support through our employee assistance program
• 5 weeks of paid time off and 9 days of paid company holidays each year
• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave (available for new parents for birth, adoption, and fostering)
• 1 week of fully paid “Blue Sky” innovation time each year to pursue your interests

Compensation is based on the value of your results, not your value as an employee or person. The compensation process, individual salaries, and criteria for salary changes are transparent to the entire company.

Galois is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local…