Job Description

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, engineering AI systems and 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. This position will work in support of the division's research efforts. The career path for this position could lead into a research oriented or technical oriented position and still support the research function.

General activities of this position will consist of:
• Software development tasks across 2-3 programs primarily in the area of 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 Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a US citizen.

 An earned Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering 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
 Demonstrated ability and willingness to document and define test cases for developed software

Preferred Qualifications

One or more of the following:
 professional work experience in software development
 Strong communication skills
 Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, Python
 Proficiency in Linux/Docker
 Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., GIT)
 Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
 Familiarity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Development (CI/CD) processes for code test and evaluation
 Familiarity with GPU-based code development (e.g., CUDA, TensorFlow, etc.)
 Familiarity with AI/ML development toolkits such as PyTorch, Keras, etc.