EO/IR Modeling & Simulation Engineer

About the role

Parsons is seeking a highly skilled EO/IR Modeling & Simulation Engineer to support the threat intelligence and acquisition communities by developing and integrating advanced modeling and simulation solutions for ballistic missile defense (BMD) and anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon systems. This role offers the opportunity to work on mission-critical projects that directly impact national security, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and advance your technical expertise in a supportive and innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of high-fidelity EO/IR sensor and seeker models for BMD and ASAT threat systems, supporting intelligence and acquisition stakeholders.
• Design scenarios, conduct trade studies, and perform sensitivity analyses to assess EO/IR seeker performance, threat capabilities, and system-level impacts for missile defense missions.
• Document modeling assumptions, algorithms, and results, and prepare technical reports, validation documents, and briefings to support MSIC products and acquisition decision-making.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams and customers, providing technical leadership, status updates, and timely responses to evolving analysis and modeling & simulation (M&S) requirements.
• Participate in professional development opportunities and contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Work in a flexible environment with options for onsite, hybrid, or remote work (subject to project requirements).

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field and 5+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM field and 3+ years of relevant experience; OR PhD in a STEM field and 1 year of relevant experience.
• Experience developing, implementing, and executing six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) and three-degree-of-freedom (3DOF) simulations using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C++ to model threat system components, engagement scenarios, and sensor behavior.
• Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR sensor and seeker modeling, as well as knowledge of missile or space vehicle dynamics, guidance, navigation, and control, and associated numerical methods and state estimation techniques.
• Experience integrating sensor models with EO/IR scene generation platforms.
• Proven ability to clearly communicate complex technical analyses and assumptions to government customers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong programming skills in C++, Python, and/or MATLAB.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI Clearance with CI Polygraph.
• Hands-on experience leading software development efforts for EO/IR sensor/seeker models supporting BMD and ASAT system assessments or acquisition activities.
• Background working with intelligence organizations, including direct support to acquisition programs, requirements development, and technical review processes.
• Experience serving as a technical lead or project manager, including planning tasks, tracking financials, managing schedules, and ensuring the quality and timeliness of M&S deliverables.
• Experience with artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) techniques and their application in EO/IR sensor/seeker systems.
• Familiarity with missile defense architectures, threat characterization methodologies, and verification/validation of high-fidelity sensor and seeker models.
• Proficiency with software engineering best practices (configuration management, Git, code review, automated testing) and experience working in Linux, high-performance computing (HPC), or cloud-based simulation environments.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible work schedules and holidays.

Pay

Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00