Software Engineer Level I or II, Mission Systems Division

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s (VTNSI) Mission System Division (MSD) is seeking experienced software engineers to support and lead development efforts across a diverse portfolio of national security research programs. Candidates will contribute technical expertise across the full software development lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment of mission-critical systems. VTNSI serves dual missions of performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of War and Intelligence Community programs and cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats. Within the Institute, motivated applicants are sought to join the Mission Systems Division (MSD). Candidates can expect a highly competitive salary and benefits in a university setting. This pooled position is focused on individuals with interest in any of the following key technology areas to support a growing portfolio of programs: Mission Engineering, Space Domain Awareness, Maritime Remote Sensing, Hypersonics, Robotics and autonomy, Development and Integration of Multidomain Sensor Platforms, High Performance Computing and Multiphysics Modeling. To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the MSD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in software development and an interest in working on team-based development projects. This position will work in support of the division's research efforts. The career path for this position could lead into research oriented or technical oriented position and still support the research function.

Requirements

An earned Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline to the position summary.
Proficiency in software development and familiarity with best coding practices.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a development team in executing sponsored projects.
Experience integrating hardware and software.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Previous professional experience in software development supporting technical, increasingly more complex projects, research initiatives, or engineering programs (Software Engineer II).
Previous experience contributing as an active member of a software development or engineering team in the execution of sponsored research, government-funded, or industry-supported projects (Software Engineer II).
Demonstrated success collaborating within multidisciplinary technical teams that include software engineers, researchers, scientists, or other engineering stakeholders to develop and implement software solutions (Software Engineer II).
Demonstrated ability to integrate hardware and software to support complex technical requirements and design, develop, and implement effective software-based solutions to address mission or project objectives (Software Engineer II).

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting software integration, deployment, and test activities
Experience integrating software with hardware, sensors, or embedded systems
Familiarity with GPU-based code development (e.g., CUDA, TensorFlow, etc.)
Familiarity with AI/ML development toolkits such as PyTorch, Keras, etc.
Experience leading software development efforts (Software Engineer II)
Experience leading and mentoring junior software engineers (Software Engineer II)

Responsibilities

Software development in support of MSD research programs
Learn about the underlying technical concepts of assigned programs
Participation in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings (requiring oral and/or written updates)
Deploy software on prototype systems
Thorough test, evaluation, and documentation of developed software
Develop best practices and documenting NSI standards (Software Engineer II)
Provide technical guidance to junior developers and students on research project (Software Engineer II)