Software Engineer, Intelligent Systems

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 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 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

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.