Entry Level Research Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Overview

Join a team where innovation meets mission. Our AI, cloud, cyber, and modernization solutions save agencies thousands of hours, safeguard national security, and strengthen health and humanitarian missions worldwide. With 1,700+ team members, 1,500+ AI/data experts, and 100+ prime contracts, we deliver at scale and with purpose.

We’ve been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post for six straight years and named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies 13 of the past 14 years. Credence is a welcoming home for those looking to grow and contribute to positive change. We encourage all employees to expand beyond their boundaries, dive into important world-changing Federal challenges.

Position Summary

Credence is seeking a highly motivated Entry-Level AI Software Engineer to join our growing technology team. This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional who is passionate about artificial intelligence, software engineering, and emerging technologies.

In this role, you will work under the mentorship of senior engineers and AI practitioners to support the design, development, testing, and deployment of software and AI-driven solutions. You will gain hands‑on experience with modern development tools, cloud technologies, data platforms, and machine learning concepts while contributing to mission‑focused federal technology programs.

This role is ideal for individuals who are eager to learn, solve complex problems, and build innovative solutions that create measurable impact.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the duties listed below

• Assist in the design, development, testing, and deployment of software applications and AI-enabled solutions.
• Support the development of scalable backend services, APIs, and data-driven applications.
• Collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver technical solutions.
• Participate in AI and machine learning solution development, integration, testing, and documentation.
• Work with cloud platforms and modern software development tools to support application delivery.
• Contribute to Agile development activities, including sprint planning, standups, retrospectives, and code reviews.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve software defects during development and quality assurance cycles.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, user guides, and engineering artifacts.
• Learn and apply software engineering best practices, including secure coding, version control, testing, and CI/CD processes.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, including Generative AI, machine learning, cloud computing, automation, and modern software development practices.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field.
• Strong programming skills in one or more languages such as Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, or TypeScript.
• Understanding of software development fundamentals, data structures, algorithms, and object‑oriented programming concepts.
• Familiarity with software development methodologies such as Agile or Scrum.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence, software engineering, data engineering, or emerging technologies through coursework, projects, research, or personal initiatives.
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

• Internship, research, co‑op, hackathon, or capstone project experience related to software development, AI, machine learning, or data engineering.
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Familiarity with Git and version control best practices.
• Knowledge of APIs, databases, data processing, or cloud‑native architectures.
• Exposure to AI/ML concepts, Generative AI, large language models (LLMs), or data analytics.
• Interest in cybersecurity, DevSecOps, automation, or data engineering.
• Experience with Python‑based development or AI/ML libraries through academic projects.
• Active Security Clearance.

• Meaningful work supporting federal missions that positively impact national security, public health, and global initiatives.
• Hands‑on mentorship from experienced software engineers, AI engineers, and technology leaders.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technologies, including AI, cloud computing, data engineering, and automation.
• Professional development, training, and certification opportunities.
• Clear career growth pathways within a rapidly growing technology organization.

Salary Range:$90,000 - $110,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, education, certifications, skills, and overall qualifications.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources