Senior Computer Scientist/Engineer (AI w/ TAK)

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.   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