Software Engineer Level I or II, Mission Systems Division
Not SpecifiedBookmark Details
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.
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 Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Share
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr
Whatsapp
VK
Bluesky
Threads
Mail