Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division

Virginia Tech • Arlington, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s Intelligent Systems Division is hiring an entry-level or junior-level software developer to work on team-based research and development projects involving artificial intelligence and systems engineering. The division’s work includes secure and resilient systems, engineering AI systems, and integrated data and decision systems. Prior AI knowledge is not required, but interest in developing AI-based systems is required.

The role involves software development across two to three programs, primarily focused on AI. The engineer will learn the technical concepts underlying assigned programs through independent study and mentorship, participate in weekly program and periodic sponsor meetings, and provide oral and/or written updates. The role also includes thoroughly testing, evaluating, and documenting developed software. Participation in research-paper and business-development proposal writing is available as desired.

Software Engineer II candidates will also develop and document best practices and NSI standards, and provide technical guidance to junior developers and students working on research projects. The position is located at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. A criminal-conviction check is required. The position is exempt and not eligible for overtime, with a 40-hour workweek. Starting salary is $90,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency in software development and familiarity with best coding practices in one or more of C++ and Python.
• Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD) processes for code development, test, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a development team executing sponsored projects.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to document and define test cases for developed software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• Interest in developing AI-based systems.

Nice To Haves

• U.S. security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
• Proficiency in Linux and Docker.
• Familiarity with GPU-based code development, such as CUDA.
• Familiarity with AI/ML development concepts such as RL, RAG, MCP, Agentic AI, and multimodal learning.
• Familiarity with AI/ML development tools such as PyTorch, Keras, TensorFlow, and LangChain.
• Proficiency in developing web-based and/or non-web-based graphical user interfaces using frameworks such as React, Vue, or Qt.

Responsibilities

• Perform software development tasks across two to three programs, primarily focused on artificial intelligence.
• Learn the technical concepts underlying assigned programs through independent learning and guidance from program mentors.
• Participate in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings, providing oral and/or written updates.
• Thoroughly test, evaluate, and document developed software.
• As desired, participate in research-paper writing and business-development proposal writing.
• For Software Engineer II candidates: develop best practices and document NSI standards.
• For Software Engineer II candidates: provide technical guidance to junior developers and students on research projects.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level