Junior Computer Scientist/Engineer

Appcast

$74K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline, or equivalent experience
  • Up to 2 years of software/application development experience
  • Exposure to AI, networking, distributed systems, and related fields
  • Experience with software application testing and evaluation
  • Proficiency in modern programming languages like Python, C++, or Java

Responsibilities

  • Develop software or applications in one or more programming languages
  • Maintain software components for the Drone Armor C-UAS system
  • Support system development with knowledge of computer hardware and software architecture
  • Collaborate with team members to meet system requirements
  • Assist in implementing algorithms and optimizing their performance
  • Participate in the testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications
  • Contribute to technical documentation and analysis of test results

Benefits

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

Job Description:

Parsons is seeking a Junior Computer Scientist/Engineer to support our cutting-edge Drone Armor counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) program. This role provides professional software and application development in support of mission-critical C-UAS capabilities and requires the application of foundational computer science, engineering, and mathematical principles to research, design, develop, test, evaluate, and maintain software applications in an integrated manner.

What You'll Be Doing

Software & Application Development

  • Provide professional software or application development in one or more programming languages
  • Implement and maintain software components that support 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
  • Write clear, maintainable, and well-documented code under the guidance of senior engineers and scientists

Systems Architecture & Integration Support

  • Apply knowledge of computer hardware, systems software, computer system architecture, and integration to support system development
  • Assist in integrating software components within larger system-of-systems architectures
  • Collaborate with senior team members to ensure software aligns with system requirements and design constraints
  • Support troubleshooting and resolution of integration issues across software and hardware interfaces

Mathematical Foundations & Algorithm Implementation

  • Apply mathematics including data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra to software design and implementation
  • Implement algorithms developed by senior team members and support their refinement and optimization
  • Assist with evaluating algorithm performance, correctness, and efficiency in operationally relevant scenarios

Research, Test, Evaluation & Documentation

  • Participate in research, design, development, testing, evaluation, and maintenance of software applications in an integrated, lifecycle-focused manner
  • Support development and execution of unit and integration tests for software components
  • Assist in analyzing test results, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions
  • Contribute to technical documentation including design notes, test summaries, and user instructions

What Required Skills You'll Bring

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline is required with 2 years of experience
    OR
  • 4 years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for education

Experience

  • Up to 2 years of experience in software or application development in one or more modern programming languages
  • Exposure to or coursework in:
    • 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 integration
    • Mathematics such as data structures, algorithms, discrete models, and modern algebra
  • Experience supporting research, design, development, testing, evaluation, or maintenance of software applications (academic, internship, or professional)

Technical Competencies

  • Proficiency in at least one modern programming language such as Python, C++, Java, or similar
  • Understanding of basic software engineering practices, including version control and issue tracking
  • Familiarity with distributed systems or networking concepts
  • Exposure to cloud environments or modern web technologies is beneficial
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary engineering and science team

Security & Citizenship

  • Must be a US Citizen
  • SECRET security clearance

What Desired Skills You'll Bring

Advanced Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • Relevant certifications or training in cloud platforms, AI/ML, or software development tools

Specialized Experience

  • Internship, co-op, or project experience supporting DoD, defense, aerospace, or related technical programs
  • Experience with AI/ML frameworks, modeling and simulation tools, or real-time/embedded systems

Additional Technical Skills

  • Experience with containerization, scripting, or automation tools
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and collaborative development environments (e.g., Git-based workflows)

Security Clearance Requirement:

An active Secret security clearance is required for this position.​

This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.

Salary Range: $74,800.00 - $130,900.00

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!

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