Leidos Dynetics Huntsville Careers: 4,500+ Defense and Space Jobs
Leidos (including Dynetics acquisition) employs 4,500+ professionals in Huntsville, making it one of the largest defense employers in North Alabama. The combined entity supports MDA, NASA, and cutting-edge hypersonics programs.
Leidos/Dynetics Huntsville Overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Huntsville Employees | 4,500+ |
| Locations | Cummings Research Park, Redstone Arsenal |
| Key Customers | MDA, NASA, Army, DARPA |
| Avg. Clearance Required | 70% Secret+, 30% TS/SCI |
| 2025 Huntsville Revenue | $1.2B+ |
Dynetics Background
Leidos acquired Dynetics in 2020 for $1.65 billion, combining:
- Dynetics: Huntsville-founded, 2,500 employees, hypersonics expertise
- Leidos: National presence, 45,000+ total employees, IT/defense focus
The combined entity maintains Dynetics' Huntsville headquarters and culture while adding Leidos' scale and contract base.
Current Open Positions (January 2026)
| Role Category | Open Positions | Avg. Salary | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systems Engineering | 85 | $108,000 | 75% Secret+ |
| Software Engineering | 72 | $105,000 | 65% Secret+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | 45 | $98,000 | 70% Secret+ |
| Program Management | 28 | $125,000 | 80% TS+ |
| Test Engineering | 38 | $92,000 | Secret required |
| Electrical Engineering | 32 | $102,000 | 70% Secret+ |
| Manufacturing | 25 | $65,000 | 40% Secret |
| Technicians | 40 | $55,000 | 50% Secret |
Salary Ranges at Leidos/Dynetics
| Level | Title | Salary Range | Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Engineer I | $70,000-$85,000 | 3-6% |
| Mid | Engineer II/III | $85,000-$115,000 | 6-10% |
| Senior | Senior Engineer | $115,000-$145,000 | 10-15% |
| Principal | Principal Engineer | $145,000-$175,000 | 12-18% |
| Fellow | Technical Fellow | $175,000-$210,000 | 15-22% |
Dynetics Legacy Premium
Former Dynetics employees and positions on Dynetics programs often command 5-10% premium over standard Leidos rates due to specialized hypersonics expertise.
Cleared Premium
| Clearance | Premium Over Non-Cleared |
|---|---|
| Secret | +$9,000-$13,000 |
| Top Secret | +$15,000-$22,000 |
| TS/SCI | +$22,000-$30,000 |
Major Programs in Huntsville
Hypersonics Programs
Dynetics leads hypersonic vehicle development:
- HAWC (Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept)
- ARRW support work
- Common Hypersonic Glide Body components
- Employees: 800+
NASA Programs
Marshall Space Flight Center support:
- SLS (Space Launch System) components
- Human Landing System (HLS) Dynetics team
- Propulsion research
- Employees: 600+
Missile Defense Agency
- GMD systems engineering
- THAAD integration support
- Next-generation interceptors
- Employees: 1,000+
Army Programs
- Redstone Arsenal engineering support
- AMCOM sustainment
- PEO Missiles and Space
- Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)
- Employees: 1,200+
DARPA Advanced Projects
- Classified R&D programs
- Advanced technology demonstrations
- Employees: 400+
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Leidos/Dynetics Offering |
|---|---|
| 401(k) Match | 100% up to 6% of salary |
| Health Insurance | 4 plan options, competitive rates |
| PTO | 15-25 days based on tenure |
| Holidays | 10 paid + floating holiday |
| Tuition Assistance | $10,000/year |
| Certification Bonuses | $500-$3,000 per cert |
| ESPP | 15% discount |
| Parental Leave | 4 weeks paid |
Unique Dynetics/Leidos Benefits
- Innovation time: 10% time for approved R&D projects
- Patent bonuses: $2,000-$5,000 per patent
- Hypersonics bonus: Retention bonuses for key hypersonics talent
- Relocation: Full package including house-hunting trips
How to Get Hired
Application Process
- Apply online at careers.leidos.com
- Recruiter screen (3-7 days)
- Technical phone interview (45-60 min)
- Panel interview (2-3 hours, often virtual)
- On-site interview (half or full day for senior roles)
- Background/clearance check (2-12 weeks)
- Offer extended (1-2 weeks post-interview)
Resume Tips
Leidos/Dynetics recruiters value:
- Hypersonics experience: Highly sought after
- NASA/missile defense background: Directly applicable
- Active clearance: Significant advantage
- Advanced degrees: Valued for R&D positions
- Publications/patents: Demonstrates technical depth
Interview Format
| Round | Format | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Screen | Technical | 45-60 min | Background verification |
| Technical Panel | Deep dive | 90 min | Domain expertise |
| Behavioral Panel | Competency | 60 min | Culture fit |
| Leadership | Executive | 30-45 min | Strategic alignment |
Required Skills by Program
Hypersonics
- Aerothermodynamics
- Thermal protection systems
- High-speed propulsion
- Materials science (high-temperature)
- CFD/modeling experience
NASA Programs
- Propulsion engineering
- Structural analysis
- Avionics systems
- Mission operations
- Ground systems
Missile Defense
- Systems engineering
- Radar systems
- Kill vehicle design
- Integration/test
- Real-time software
Culture and Work Environment
Employee feedback indicates:
| Factor | Rating (5-point) |
|---|---|
| Work-life balance | 3.9 |
| Compensation | 4.1 |
| Career growth | 3.8 |
| Management | 3.7 |
| Innovation | 4.2 |
| Job security | 4.0 |
Pros cited by employees:
- Cutting-edge technology work
- Strong engineering culture (Dynetics legacy)
- Competitive compensation
- Innovation encouraged
- Huntsville quality of life
Cons cited by employees:
- Post-acquisition integration challenges
- Some bureaucratic processes
- Travel requirements on some programs
Career Paths
Technical Track
Associate Engineer → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Principal Engineer → Technical Fellow → Senior Technical Fellow
Management Track
Team Lead → Section Manager → Engineering Manager → Director → VP → SVP
Typical Progression
| Years | Technical Track | Management Track |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 | Associate/Entry | N/A |
| 3-6 | Engineer II/III | Team Lead |
| 6-10 | Senior Engineer | Section Manager |
| 10-15 | Principal | Director |
| 15+ | Fellow | VP |
Huntsville vs. Other Leidos Locations
| Factor | Huntsville | Reston (HQ) | San Diego |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Salary | $102K | $125K | $120K |
| Cost of Living | 95 | 155 | 165 |
| Purchasing Power | High | Medium | Low |
| Hypersonics Work | Primary hub | Limited | Some |
| Growth Opportunity | High | High | Medium |
Apply to Leidos/Dynetics Huntsville
High-demand positions include:
- Hypersonic systems engineers
- Propulsion engineers
- Software developers (real-time systems)
- Test engineers
- Program managers
Visit careers.leidos.com and filter by Huntsville, AL. Dynetics positions are listed under Leidos.
Information current as of January 2026. Data from Leidos careers site, Glassdoor, and Huntsville industry sources.
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