Senior Software Developer

OverviewSCCI is currently seeking a Senior Software Developer to join our team! In this position you will work in a newly established R&D department focused on delivering next-generation autonomous systems and immersive training solutions for defense and government customers. This role demands deep expertise in applied machine learning, with a direct hand in prototyping and fielding AI-driven capabilities that address real operational requirements.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of translating complex ML concepts into working systems within the constraints of defense hardware, software, and security environments. If you are motivated by mission-critical impact and the challenge of building at the edge of what is possible, we want to hear from you! This position is located in Dahlgren, VA.SCCI offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability benefits, 401k with Company Match, time off consisting of 2 weeks of paid vacation, 48 hours of sick/personal leave, and 11 paid Holidays.

Responsibilities:

Proactively identifies emerging DoD capability gaps and operational needs, developing AI/ML prototype concepts in advance of formal government solicitations to position SCCI for OTA responses, SBIR/STTR opportunities, and DoD challenge competitions

Drives the R&D technical vision for AI/ML capabilities, with a current focus on computer vision, edge-based inference, and autonomous swarm control while continuously scanning the threat and technology landscape to anticipate the next competitive frontier

Translates operational military requirements into prototype AI/ML solutions that are demonstrable, defensible, and transition-ready for program of record or follow-on acquisition

Collaborates with Program Manager to document technical project objectives, effort estimates, and milestone schedules for AI/ML R&D efforts and tracking execution against plan Designs, develops, and iterates AI/ML prototype solutions with emphasis on computer vision applications for edge-deployed systems

Develops and optimizes models for deployment on resource-constrained edge hardware, balancing inference performance, power envelope, and operational reliability

Integrates AI/ML capabilities into simulation and training environments to produce adaptive, hyper-realistic training scenarios that respond dynamically to trainee behavior and mission context

Maintains a working prototype pipeline that enables rapid demonstration to government customers, OTA consortia, and DoD evaluators with minimal lead time Identifies and escalates technical risks early, proposes mitigation approaches, and adjusts development priorities to keep prototype efforts on schedule and within resource constraints

Mentors and technically guides junior and mid-level developers in applied AI/ML concepts, development practices, and defense problem framing — building internal depth in a skill area where bench strength is currently limited

Establishes repeatable development patterns, coding standards, and documentation practices that enable the broader team to contribute meaningfully to AI/ML prototype efforts over time Actively monitors competitor capabilities, government R&D investment trends, and emerging academic and commercial AI/ML advances to ensure SCCI maintains a differentiated and defensible position in the autonomous systems and simulation training market space

Contributes technical concepts for white papers, capability briefs, technical volumes, and proposal content that articulate SCCI’s AI/ML vision and prototype achievements to government customers and industry partners

Essential

Skills and Experience:

Must be a U.S. Citizen and have an active Secret Security Clearance Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field required

Five (5) - Seven (7) years of hands-on applied AI/ML development with a portfolio of prototype or fielded systems demonstrating end-to-end ownership from concept through demonstration

Demonstrated expertise in computer vision development and deployment, including object detection,…