Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division
Job no: 538496
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: VTNSI
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Data Analytics / Security
Job Description
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute's (VTNSI) Intelligent Systems Division (ISD) is seeking to fill an entry-level/junior-level software developer position and 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: 1) secure and resilient systems, 2) engineering AI systems, and 3) integrated data and decision systems.
To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the ISD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in software development and an interest in working on team-based development projects. An interest in the development of AI-based systems is required while prior knowledge in the area is not. General activities of this position will consist of:
• 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
In addition, Software Engineer II candidates will:
• Develop best practices and documenting NSI standards
• Provide technical guidance to junior developers and students on research project
Required Qualifications
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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, LangChain, etc.
- Proficiency in developing web and/or non-web based graphical user interfaces (GUIs) utilizing frameworks such as React, Vue, Qt, etc.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
Starting at $90,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40 hours per week
Review Date
November 20, 2026
Additional Information
Position is located in the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, VA. Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
Advertised: November 12, 2026
Applications close:
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