Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Systems

Welcome page Returning candidate? Log back in! Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Systems Job Locations US-MD-College Park Requisition ID 2026-166567 Position Category Scientific, Research & Analysis Clearance Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based IC customer. This role will focus on designing, developing, integrating, and enhancing advanced research prototype systems across mission-focused application, analytics, real-time processing, data, and software-enabled environments. The ideal candidate for this role is a senior hands-on software researcher or prototype engineer who can translate customer needs into working capabilities, develop complex software prototypes, integrate existing systems, and help guide technical execution across small research teams. Candidates should be comfortable working in fast-moving R&D environments where requirements evolve, technical approaches must be tested quickly, and prototypes must be built with enough rigor to demonstrate operational value. This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD. Key responsibilities may includeDesign, develop, test, and enhance advanced software prototypes for mission-focused research programsAnalyze customer requirements and translate them into prototype architectures, performance standards, software designs, and technical implementation plansDevelop new software or modify existing software to improve functionality, performance, reliability, and usabilityBuild prototype applications involving analytics, real-time systems, data processing, workflow tools, mission applications, or business/operational management systemsDevelop complex algorithms, database interfaces, APIs, data queries, and backend services to meet functional and performance requirementsIntegrate existing software, COTS/GOTS tools, open-source components, and custom research prototypes into new or modified operating environmentsDebug software, resolve defects, improve system performance, and support prototype demonstrationsDevelop and execute test procedures to validate prototype components against design and mission requirementsCollaborate with system engineers, hardware engineers, researchers, subcontractors, and customer stakeholders to refine requirements and ensure operational specifications are metProvide input on system design decisions, including hardware/software tradeoffs, software reuse, COTS/GOTS integration, scalability, maintainability, and deployment approachSupport software development workflows using tools such as GitHub/GitLab, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines, Agile processes, issue tracking, and code reviewCreate and maintain technical documentation, development standards, test plans, interface documentation, and prototype user guidesLead small technical teams, delegate tasks, monitor progress, and help ensure project objectives are met *This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process* #MDFSP#PLABS26 Qualifications Minimum QualificationsMinimum of 12+ years of experience with a Bachelors degree, 10+ years of experience with a Masters degree, or 8+ years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 16+ years relevant experience.Strong application, software, or prototype development experience in R&D, mission, defense, intelligence, or similarly complex technical environmentsProgramming experience in one or more languages such as Python, C, C++, Java, Go, or similar languagesExperience designing and implementing algorithms, backend services, APIs, database...