Senior Computer Scientist/Engineer

Parsons Corporation•Aberdeen, MD

About The Position

Parsons is seeking a Computer Scientist/Engineer, Senior to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This critical role provides professional software and application development and requires the application of advanced computer science, engineering, and mathematical principles to research, design, develop, test, evaluate, and maintain complex software applications in an integrated manner. The Senior Computer Scientist/Engineer may also lead a team of computer scientists on large and complex projects within the Drone Armor program.

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 software/computer science experience may be substituted for education
Minimum 6 years of experience in professional software or application development using modern programming languages
Experience applying: Fundamentals and principles of artificial intelligence, information systems, networking, distributed processing, real-time controls, system-of-systems, web, cloud, modeling, simulation, or some combination thereof Computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and system integration Mathematics including data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra
Experience supporting the research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications in an integrated manner
Experience leading teams or providing technical leadership on large and complex software projects
Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or similar
Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including design patterns, version control, and CI/CD pipelines
Experience with distributed systems, networking, and real-time or near-real-time processing
Familiarity with cloud architectures and services for scalable, resilient application deployment
Experience integrating software within complex systems or system-of-systems environments
Must be a US Citizen
TOP SECRET security clearance

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Software & Application Development
Provide professional software and application development in various programming languages in support of Drone Armor C-UAS capabilities
Design, implement, and maintain complex software components and services that enable mission-critical functions
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
Ensure software is robust, secure, maintainable, and aligned with program performance and reliability requirements
Conduct code reviews and enforce coding standards, security practices, and configuration management processes
Systems Architecture, Integration & Technical Leadership
Apply expert knowledge of computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and system integration to support end-to-end C-UAS solutions
Architect and integrate software components within complex system-of-systems environments
Collaborate with systems engineers, RF engineers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to ensure software solutions align with system requirements and mission objectives
Lead or mentor junior and mid-level computer scientists/engineers, providing technical guidance and oversight
May lead a team of computer scientists on large and complex projects, including planning, tasking, and technical quality control
Mathematical Foundations & Algorithm Development
Apply advanced mathematics including data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra to software and algorithm design
Develop, analyze, and optimize algorithms for detection, tracking, decision-support, and other mission-critical capabilities
Evaluate algorithm performance, complexity, and suitability for real-time, distributed, or resource-constrained environments
Support modeling and simulation activities to analyze system behavior and assess performance trade-offs
Research, Test, Evaluation & Lifecycle Support
Lead or significantly contribute to research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications in an integrated, lifecycle-focused manner
Define and execute unit, integration, and system-level test strategies for software components and services
Analyze test results, diagnose complex issues, and drive corrective actions and performance improvements
Prepare and maintain technical documentation including architecture/design descriptions, test reports, and user documentation
Maintain awareness of evolving technologies, tools, and methods relevant to C-UAS and advanced software systems