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Job Description:
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.
What You'll Be Doing
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
- Develop software and services that interface with and extend Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) ecosystems (e.g., ATAK, WinTAK, server-side TAK components), including plugins, data feeds, and mission tools
- 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
- Architect and integrate AI/ML pipelines and TAK-based components into existing C-UAS architectures, ensuring interoperability with external systems, sensors, and command-and-control (C2) platforms
- 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
- Define and execute test and evaluation strategies for AI/ML components and TAK-integrated capabilities, including performance, robustness, and human-in-the-loop evaluation in operationally relevant scenarios
- 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
What Required Skills You'll Bring
Education
- 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
Experience
- 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
- Experience designing, implementing, or integrating AI/ML-based capabilities into operational systems, with emphasis on real-time or near-real-time decision-support, detection, or tracking
- Experience developing, integrating, or supporting TAK-based solutions (e.g., ATAK/WinTAK plugins, TAK servers, data services) in tactical or mission systems
Technical Competencies
- 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
Security & Citizenship
- Must be a US Citizen
- TOP SECRET security clearance
What Desired Skills You'll Bring
Advanced Education & Certifications
- PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
- Professional certifications in cloud computing, software architecture, AI/ML, or cybersecurity
Specialized Experience
- 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 designing or deploying TAK-based capabilities in operational environments, including mission planning, situational awareness, or C2 workflows
- Experience with modeling and simulation tools for system-of-systems or mission analysis
Advanced Technical Skills
- 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
Tools & Analytical Capabilities
- 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
Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret security clearance is required for this position.This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline with 6 years of experience OR 10 years of relevant software/computer science experience (education may be substituted)
- Minimum 6 years of professional software or application development experience
- Experience developing, integrating, or supporting TAK-based solutions (ATAK/WinTAK plugins, TAK servers, data services) in tactical or mission systems
- Experience designing, implementing, or integrating AI/ML-based capabilities into operational systems for real-time or near-real-time detection, tracking, or decision-support
- Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java
- 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 applying advanced mathematics and algorithms (data structures, discrete models) to software and algorithm design
- Experience leading teams or providing technical leadership on large, complex software projects
- Experience supporting research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of integrated software applications and test strategies
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Active Top Secret security clearance
Parsons Corporation Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Parsons Corporation and has not been reviewed or approved by Parsons Corporation.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs are framed as a major value driver, with an ESOP alongside a 401(k) match and additional stock-purchase options contributing meaningfully to total rewards. This structure is positioned as especially attractive for employees who value long-term wealth-building over immediate cash.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as broad and choice-rich, with multiple plan types (PPO, HDHP, and some HMO networks) plus dental, vision, EAP, and wellness resources. The availability of different plan designs and national-carrier coverage supports varied employee needs.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are portrayed as competitive, including PTO, holidays, flexible schedules such as a 9/80 option for eligible roles, and floating holidays in the U.S. Paid parental leave of 160 hours is also highlighted as a meaningful component of the overall package.
Parsons Corporation Insights
What We Do
Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider with a focus on making the world safer, smarter, healthier, more sustainable, and more connected. Founded in 1944, Parsons primarily serves the defense, security, and infrastructure markets. Uniquely qualified to deliver cyber/converged security, technology-based intellectual property, and other innovative services, the corporation delivers state-of-the-art solutions to federal, regional, and local government agencies as well as to private industrial customers worldwide. Parsons has a reputation for inclusion and diversity and has been named to the Ethisphere Institute’s list of World’s Most Ethical Companies for 10 consecutive years. Parsons facilitates a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration among its employees and providing opportunities for career growth. With offices around the globe, people of varied talents and backgrounds, and a wide range of exciting projects, the possibilities at Parsons are endless. For more about Parsons, visit www.parsons.com. Mission: Delivering innovative infrastructure, defense, and security solutions to enable a more sustainable, safer, smarter, and more connected world.
