Software Engineer Level I or II, Mission Systems Division

Job Description

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.

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 War 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.

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.

• 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
• Provide technical guidance to junior developers and students on research project

• 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.
• Given the nature of the research conducted and requirements from the federal sponsor, all candidates 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrated success collaborating within multidisciplinary technical teams that…