EO/IR Modeling & Simulation Engineer

Parsons; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Paid time off

ESOP

Job summary

Parsons is seeking an EO/IR Modeling & Simulation Engineer in Huntsville to support threat intelligence and acquisition communities by building and integrating advanced modeling solutions for missile defense and space systems.

The role requires strong programming skills (C++, Python, MATLAB), experience with 6DOF/3DOF simulations, and the ability to communicate complex analyses to government customers. Hybrid/remote work options are available depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen eligible for TS/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Master’s with 3+ years, or PhD with 1 year.
• Experience developing and executing 6DOF and 3DOF simulations using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C++.
• Expertise in EO/IR sensor and seeker modeling, missile/space vehicle dynamics, and related numerical methods.
• Experience integrating sensor models with EO/IR scene generation platforms.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex analyses to government customers and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of high-fidelity EO/IR models for BMD/ASAT threats.
• Design scenarios, run trade studies, and perform sensitivity analyses on EO/IR seekers.
• Document models, algorithms, and results; prepare reports and briefings for MSIC products.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and customers; provide technical leadership and timely responses to M&S requirements.
• Participate in professional development and contribute to a culture of innovation.
• Support onsite, hybrid, or remote work as project requirements dictate.
• Support diversity and employee well-being initiatives.

Skills

C++

Python

MATLAB

Simulation modeling

EO/IR modeling

Communication with government

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Linux

Git

Job description

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 highly skilled EO/IR Modeling & Simulation Engineer to join our team! In this role, you will 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. You will have 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.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Leading 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.
• Designing scenarios, conducting trade studies, and performing sensitivity analyses to assess EO/IR seeker performance, threat capabilities, and system‑level impacts for missile defense missions.
• Documenting modeling assumptions, algorithms, and results, and preparing technical reports, validation documents, and briefings to support MSIC products and acquisition decision‑making.
• Collaborating with multi‑disciplinary engineering teams and customers, providing technical leadership, status updates, and timely responses to evolving analysis and modeling & simulation (M&S) requirements.
• Participating in professional development opportunities and contributing to a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Working in a flexible environment with options for onsite, hybrid, or remote work (subject to project requirements).
• Engaging with a diverse and inclusive workforce, and benefiting from Parsons’ commitment to employee well‑being, work‑life balance, and career advancement.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

• 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.

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

• 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.

Security Clearance Requirement:

None

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:

$88,400.00 - $154,700.00

Benefits:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• paid time off
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k)
• life insurance
• flexible work schedules
• holidays

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!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

Parsons is an equal opportunity, drug‑free employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran/LGBTQ+.

About Us

Parsons is a digitally enabled solutions provider focused on the defense, security, and infrastructure markets. With nearly 75 years of experience, Parsons is uniquely qualified to deliver cyber/converged security, technology‑based intellectual property, and other innovative services to federal, regional, and local government agencies, as well as to private industrial customers worldwide.

For more about Parsons, visit parsons.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.