Associate Applications Developer

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

21h

About The Position

The Systems and AI (SAI) Research Lab in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University conducts research and development in scalable software systems, AI/ML-enabled applications, edge-to-cloud platforms, digital agriculture technologies, and advanced cyberinfrastructure. The lab develops software platforms, tools, and workflows that support interdisciplinary research, real-world deployments, and sponsored project deliverables. The SAI Research Lab is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Software Engineer to lead and support software development activities across the group. This position will work closely with faculty, students, and research staff to design, implement, test, document, deploy, and maintain high-quality software for SAI lab projects. The Software Engineer will play a central role in building reliable research software, integrating prototypes into usable systems, supporting lab and field deployments, and strengthening the lab’s overall software engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related computing discipline.
• Strong programming skills in C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with software design, development, debugging, testing, and maintenance in Linux-based environments.
• Experience using version control systems such as Git and collaborative development platforms such as GitHub or GitLab.
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools and modern software engineering workflows.
• Experience building, integrating, and maintaining software across multiple environments and platforms.
• Knowledge of distributed systems, edge-to-cloud systems, data pipelines, or applied AI/ML software environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and resolve issues with minimal direction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Nice To Haves

• 0-2 years of relevant software development experience in a research, academic, or advanced technical environment.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks, data-driven applications, or intelligent software systems.
• Experience with edge computing, cloud platforms, containerization technologies, and deployment workflows.
• Experience developing software for digital agriculture, sensing systems, cyberinfrastructure, or interdisciplinary research applications.
• Experience with web application development, REST APIs, databases, and user-facing software tools.
• Experience contributing to open-source software or collaborative research software projects.
• Demonstrated ability to document technical work clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies, tools, and evolving project requirements.
• 0-2 years of experience in programming in C, C++, Python, DL/ML/AI frameworks, CI/CD tools, version control systems, and Linux (kernels, file systems, and drivers), preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work with a large team; willingness to learn new systems, technologies, and tools.
• Ability to work independently and resolve issues with minimal direction.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• experience with programming/scripting.

Responsibilities

• design
• implement
• test
• document
• deploy
• maintain high-quality software for SAI lab projects
• building reliable research software
• integrating prototypes into usable systems
• supporting lab and field deployments
• strengthening the lab’s overall software engineering practices

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees