Senior Computer Scientist/Engineer (AI w/ TAK)

About the role

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!

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.

About the role

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 - $225,200.00

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!

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