Entry Level Systems Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer, Intelligent Systems
Job no: 536444
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Vice President for Research
Department: VTNSI
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Categories: Information Systems / Technology, Research / Scientific
Job 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 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.
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
June 8, 2026
Additional Information
Due to the nature of the Institute's work, all candidates must be US citizens.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
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 Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: May 19, 2026
Applications close:
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