Computer Scientist SME at Parsons in Maryland

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At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible.

Job Description:

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.

What You'll Be Doing

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

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 computer science/software development experience may be substituted for education

Experience

• 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

Security & Citizenship

• Must be a US Citizen
• SECRET security clearance

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

Advanced Education & Certifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related technical discipline
• Professional certifications in cloud computing, software architecture, AI/ML, or cybersecurity

Specialized Experience

• 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

Advanced Technical Skills

• 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

Tools & Analytical Capabilities

• 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

Security Clearance Requirement: An active 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: $112,200.00 - $196,400.00

We 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/.