Exploitation Specialist
Leidos
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Reston, VA · Posted November 6, 2026
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Leidos has filed 4 layoff notices in the last twelve months, covering 404 workers, most recently September 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings
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About the job
Media Exploitation Specialist (Open Source Intelligence | Emerging Technologies)
The Mission Support Operation is seeking experienced Media Exploitation Specialists to support an Intelligence Community (IC) customer in the National Capital Region (NCR) through an open-source services contract.
This role focuses on collecting, evaluating, processing, and enriching open-source and emerging technology information to support intelligence requirements and identify actionable insights. Candidates will conduct research, assess validated sources, analyze trends, create and maintain structured data, synthesize findings, and produce high-quality intelligence reports in accordance with customer standards and data management plans.
Key Highlights
✅ Location: National Capital Region (NCR) ✅ Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph ✅ Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required ✅ Focus Areas: Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Emerging Technologies, AI, GenAI, LLMs, Quantum Computing, Telecommunications, Energy, and Advanced Computing
Primary Responsibilities
Open Source Collection & Research
Monitor, evaluate, and exploit internet-based media and open-source information related to emerging technologies.
Conduct comprehensive open-source research, source discovery, and source assessments .
Identify and analyze emerging trends, patterns, relationships, and developments relevant to customer missions.
Analysis & Intelligence Production
Collect, analyze, synthesize, and summarize qualitative and quantitative information .
Produce timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence products .
Apply analytical methodologies to identify: Significant trends Information reliability Strategic insights Mission impacts
Emerging Technology Expertise
Research and evaluate developments in:
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Quantum Computing
Telecommunications
Energy & Energy Storage
Semiconductors
Data Centers
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Rare Earth Minerals
Other mission-critical technology sectors
Data Management & Reporting
Develop and maintain structured datasets and research baselines .
Ensure information is: Accurate Consistent Accessible Compliant with customer data management plans
Prepare and publish: Intelligence assessments Open-source intelligence reports Analytical summaries Customer-directed research products
Customer Support & Collaboration
Respond to customer-directed collection and research requirements.
Collaborate with customer stakeholders and team members.
Communicate findings and address intelligence gaps.
Maintain awareness of: Evolving mission priorities Emerging threats Technological developments
Required Clearance
Must Have
Active TS/SCI Clearance with Polygraph
U.S. Citizenship
Basic Qualifications
Education & Experience
Requires a bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related field with 8 – 12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6 – 10 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of
8 – 12 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 6 – 10 years of prior relevant experience.
3+ years of demonstrated experience conducting research, evaluating sources, analyzing information, synthesizing findings, and producing written reports in accordance with established standards, or equivalent education or training in a relevant discipline.
Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge of:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Generative AI (GenAI)
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Advanced Computing
Global Media Environments
Emerging technology trends and developments
OSINT & Digital Research
Experience with:
Open-source intelligence gathering
Social media exploitation
Digital media research
Publicly available information analysis
Source discovery and validation
Research Tools
Web scraping tools
Advanced internet search methodologies
Boolean search logic
Digital information discovery techniques
Professional Skills
Ability to work both independently and within embedded customer teams
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
High attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate: Research findings Intelligence assessments Complex technical information Strategic recommendations
Preferred Qualifications
Highly Desired Experience
Experience supporting the Open Source Enterprise (OSE) environment
Experience researching and analyzing emerging technology topics
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, user-friendly communications
Strong analytical writing and editing skills
AI & Advanced Technology Experience
Experience with:
Large Language Models (LLMs)
Generative AI tools
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
AI-assisted user experiences
Software Proficiency
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Intermediate to advanced proficiency preferred
Collaboration & Leadership
Experience working across multiple organizations, offices, and agencies
Strong interpersonal skills
Demonstrated success in dynamic, team-oriented environments
Ability to effectively organize and prioritize competing requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate combines:
Strong OSINT and research expertise
Knowledge of emerging technologies and AI
Experience producing intelligence-quality written products
Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills
TS/SCI Poly clearance
A passion for understanding how emerging technologies impact national security and intelligence missions
Top Keywords
OSINT | Media Exploitation | Intelligence Analysis | Emerging Technologies | AI | GenAI | LLMs | Quantum Computing | Research | Data Analysis | Open Source Enterprise | Technical Writing | TS/SCI Poly
#MSBA
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: November 6, 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 $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
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.