Exploitation Specialist

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

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Original Posting:

November 6, 2026

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.