Edtech.com's Summary

Virginia Tech is hiring a Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division. The role is an entry-level to junior software developer position at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute, building artificial intelligence systems for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community research programs. Developers work on 2-3 programs at a time, learn the underlying technical concepts from program mentors, and test and document the software they write.

Highlights

Develop software across 2-3 research programs focused primarily on artificial intelligence, working as part of a team on sponsored projects.
Learn the technical concepts behind assigned programs through independent study and program mentors, with prior AI knowledge not required but an interest in building AI-based systems expected.
Report progress in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings, with oral or written updates.
Test, evaluate, and document the software developed, including defining test cases, with optional chances to help write research papers and business development proposals.
At the Software Engineer II level, develop best practices and document institute standards, and give technical guidance to junior developers and students on research projects.
Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
Show proficiency in C++ or Python along with familiarity with CI/CD processes and version control tools such as Git.
Be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, with an existing Secret-level or higher clearance preferred.
Preferred experience with Linux, Docker, GPU code development such as CUDA, AI/ML tools such as PyTorch, Keras, TensorFlow, and LangChain, and GUI frameworks such as React, Vue, or Qt.
Salary starting at $90,000 for a 40-hour week, based in Arlington, Virginia.

Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division Full 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.

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.

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 Alex Tuuri at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

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Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division

Edtech.com's Summary

Software Engineer I or II, Intelligent Systems Division Full Description

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