Software Engineer, Systems

Overview

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s (VTNSI) Intelligent Systems Division (ISD) is seeking to fill an entry-level/junior-level software developer position to join our team at the forefront of research and development on artificial intelligence and systems engineering. With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington, D.C. metro areas, VTNSI serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting‑edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs and (2) 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. VTNSI’s ISD is a leader in research and development in three core capabilities: secure and resilient systems, engineering AI systems, and integrated data and decision systems.

• Software development tasks across 2–3 programs primarily focused on artificial intelligence
• Learn about the underlying technical concepts of assigned programs (through both independent learning as well as through program mentors)
• Participation in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings (requiring oral and/or written updates)
• Thorough test, evaluation, and documentation of developed software
• As desired, opportunities to participate in research paper writing and business development proposal writing

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM discipline to the position summary.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficiency in software development and familiarity with best coding practices in one or more of the following programming languages: C++, Python.
• Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD) processes for code development, test and evaluation.
• Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git).
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work as a member of a development team in executing sponsored projects.
• Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to document and define test cases for developed software.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• U.S. Security Clearance at the Secret level or higher.
• Proficiency in Linux and Docker – familiarity with GPU‑based code development (e.g., CUDA).
• Familiarity with AI/ML development concepts such as RL, RAG, MCP, Agentic AI, multi‑modal learning, etc.
• Familiarity with AI/ML development tools such as PyTorch, Keras, Tensorflow, Lang Chain, etc.
• Proficiency in developing web and/or non‑web based graphical user interfaces (GUIs) utilizing frameworks such as React, Vue, Qt, etc.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime.

Appointment type:
Restricted.

Starting at $90,000; commensurate with experience.

40 hours per week.

Review date:
June 8, 2026.

Due to the nature of the Institute's work, all candidates must be U.S. citizens.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sue Kass at sjkass during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.