Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division
About The Position
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s Intelligent Systems Division is seeking an entry-level or junior-level software developer to contribute to team-based research and development projects focused primarily on artificial intelligence. The role supports programs sponsored by the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community and contributes to VTNSI’s work in secure and resilient systems, engineering AI systems, and integrated data and decision systems. An interest in developing AI-based systems is required; prior knowledge in the area is not required. The position involves software development across two to three programs, learning the technical concepts underlying assigned programs through independent study and mentorship, and participating in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings. The engineer will test, evaluate, and document software. Opportunities to contribute to research papers and business development proposals are available. Software Engineer II candidates will also develop and document best practices and NSI standards, and provide technical guidance to junior developers and students. The position is based at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. A criminal conviction check is required. The position is exempt from overtime and pays a starting salary of $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 C++ and/or Python.
- Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD) processes for code development, testing, and evaluation.
- Familiarity with version control tools such as Git.
- Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a development team on 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 underlying technical concepts of assigned programs through independent learning and program mentorship.
- 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 and document best practices and NSI standards.
- For Software Engineer II candidates, provide technical guidance to junior developers and students on research projects.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
