Computer Scientist SME

Parsons Corporation•Aberdeen, MD

22h

About The Position

Parsons is seeking a Computer Scientist Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This critical role requires deep expertise in advanced software and application development, computer systems architecture, and applied mathematics to research, design, develop, test, and maintain complex, integrated software applications that enable Drone Armor systems to operate effectively in demanding operational environments.

Requirements

Master’s degree in computer science, electronics engineering, or other engineering or technical discipline is required with 6 years of experience OR 10+ years of relevant computer science/software development experience may be substituted for education
Significant experience in software or application development in one or more modern programming languages
Experience applying: Fundamentals of artificial intelligence, information systems, networking, distributed processing, real-time controls, system-of-systems, web, cloud, modeling, or simulation Computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and system integration Mathematics including data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra
Experience supporting research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications in an integrated manner
Experience leading or mentoring software/computer science teams on large and complex projects
Technical Competencies Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or similar
Understanding of software engineering best practices, version control, and CI/CD workflows
Knowledge of distributed systems, networking concepts, and real-time or near-real-time processing
Familiarity with cloud environments and services to support scalable, resilient application architectures
Experience with modeling, simulation, or system-of-systems integration is highly relevant
Must be a US Citizen
SECRET security clearance

Nice To Haves

PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline
Professional certifications in cloud computing, software architecture, AI/ML, or cybersecurity
Experience supporting DoD programs, C-UAS, electronic warfare, ISR, or related defense systems
Experience with AI/ML frameworks and their application to detection, classification, or decision-support problems
Experience with modeling and simulation frameworks for system-of-systems analysis
Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices
Experience with microservices architectures and event-driven or message-based systems
Familiarity with real-time data processing, edge computing, or high-performance computing environments
Experience with software development tools (Git, issue tracking, CI/CD pipelines)
Experience with performance profiling, debugging, and optimization tools
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to complex, multi-domain systems

Responsibilities

Software & Application Development Provide professional software and application development in various programming languages
Design, implement, and maintain software applications supporting Drone Armor C-UAS capabilities
Apply fundamentals and principles of: Artificial intelligence and information systems Networking, distributed processing, and real-time controls System-of-systems engineering, web, cloud, modeling, and simulation
Develop robust, modular, and scalable software aligned with system requirements and performance constraints
Perform code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards, security best practices, and configuration management processes
Systems Architecture, Integration & Performance Apply knowledge of computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and integration to support end-to-end C-UAS solutions
Design and integrate software components within complex system-of-systems architectures
Collaborate with systems engineers, RF engineers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to ensure software aligns with overall system design and mission objectives
Optimize software performance, reliability, and scalability for real-time and distributed operational environments
Support integration of Drone Armor capabilities with existing DoD and partner systems
Mathematical Foundations & Algorithm Development Apply advanced mathematics including data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra to software design and implementation
Develop efficient algorithms for detection, tracking, decision support, and other mission-critical functions
Conduct analytical evaluations of algorithm performance, complexity, and suitability for real-time or resource-constrained environments
Support modeling and simulation activities to evaluate system behavior, performance trade-offs, and design alternatives
Research, Test, Evaluation & Technical Leadership Conduct research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications in an integrated, lifecycle-focused manner
Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level test plans for software components
Analyze test results to identify defects, performance issues, and opportunities for improvement
Prepare technical documentation including design descriptions, test reports, and user documentation
May lead a team of computer scientists on large and complex projects, providing technical direction, mentoring, and quality oversight