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Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute's (VTNSI) Mission System Division (MSD) is seeking experienced software engineers to support and lead development efforts across a diverse portfolio of national security research programs. Candidates will contribute technical expertise across the full software development lifecycle, including architecture, implementation, integration, testing, and deployment of mission-critical systems.
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 War 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.
Within the Institute, motivated applicants are sought to join the Mission Systems Division (MSD). Candidates can expect a highly competitive salary and benefits in a university setting. This pooled position is focused on individuals with interest in any of the following key technology areas to support a growing portfolio of programs:
Mission Engineering
Space Domain Awareness
Maritime Remote Sensing
Hypersonics
Robotics and autonomy
Development and Integration of Multidomain Sensor Platforms
High Performance Computing and Multiphysics Modeling
To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the MSD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in software development and an interest in working on team- based development projects. This position will work in support of the division's research efforts. The career path for this position could lead into research oriented or technical oriented position and still support the research function.
General activities of this position will consist of:
Software development in support of MSD research programs
Learn about the underlying technical concepts of assigned programs
Participation in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings (requiring oral and/or written updates)
Deploy software on prototype systems
Thorough test, evaluation, and documentation of developed software
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

Both levels of Software Engineer require:
An earned Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related 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.
Experience integrating hardware and software.
Given the nature of the research conducted and requirements from the federal sponsor, all candidates must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
In addition, for Software Engineer II:
Previous professional experience in software development supporting technical, increasingly more complex projects, research initiatives, or engineering programs.
Previous experience contributing as an active member of a software development or engineering team in the execution of sponsored research, government-funded, or industry-supported projects
Demonstrated success collaborating within multidisciplinary technical teams that include software engineers, researchers, scientists, or other engineering stakeholders to develop and implement software solutions.
Demonstrated ability to integrate hardware and software to support complex technical requirements and design, develop, and implement effective software-based solutions to address mission or project objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting software integration, deployment, and test activities
Experience integrating software with hardware, sensors, or embedded systems
Familiarity with GPU-based code development (e.g., CUDA, TensorFlow, etc.)
Familiarity with AI/ML development toolkits such as PyTorch, Keras, etc.
Experience leading software development efforts (Software Engineer II)
Experience leading and mentoring junior software engineers (Software Engineer II)

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $70,000, depending on level and commensurate experience

Hours per week

40 hours per week

Review Date

August 17, 2026

Additional Information

This recruitment is expected to fill multiple positions.  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.

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.

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