Computer Scientist SME

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.

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

Required Skills

• 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
• Experience: Knowledge of computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and system integration
• Experience: 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

Desired Skills

• 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: Supporting AI/ML frameworks and their application to detection, classification, or decision-support problems
• Experience: Modeling and simulation frameworks for system-of-systems analysis
• Advanced Technical Skills: Experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern DevOps practices
• Experience: Microservices architectures and event-driven or message-based systems
• Familiarity: 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: Performance profiling, debugging, and optimization tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to complex, multi-domain systems

Security & Citizenship

• Security Clearance Requirement: An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.
• US Citizen: SECRET security clearance