Software Engineer, Systems

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development.

VTNSI’s 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: performing cutting‑edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs, and cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research & development opportunities.

• 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 and program mentors.
• Participation in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings, requiring oral and/or written updates.
• Thorough testing, evaluation, and documentation of developed software.
• Opportunities to participate in research paper writing and business development proposal writing (as desired).

• A 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 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.
• 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.

Restricted.

Starting at $90,000; commensurate with experience.

40 hours per week.

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, 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.