Senior Software Engineer, SDD

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute's (VTNSI) Spectrum Dominance Division (SDD) is seeking to fill multiple mid-career and senior-level software developer positions, joining our team at the forefront of research and development in wireless spectrum solutions.

With a presence in both Blacksburg, VA 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 SDD is a leader in research and development of national security technologies and solutions for maintaining radio frequency spectrum superiority. Key areas of focus include resilience of commercial wireless infrastructures and technologies (5G and beyond), development of signal processing algorithms for spectrum awareness (signal detection, estimation, classification, etc.), next generation radio hardware and front-ends (antenna design, multiple aperture arrays, etc.), and the general application of state-of-the-art AI/ML within the radio frequency spectrum space.

To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the SDD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in software development, CI/CD tools for test and evaluation, and an interest in leading and working within team-based development projects. An interest in developing software for radio frequency applications is required, while prior knowledge in wireless communications is not.

General activities of this position will consist of:

• Lead at least one team of software developers through standard development methodologies (issue tracking, continuous testing & integration, task scheduling, code quality reviews, documentation, and build deployments) for projects in wireless communications application areas.

• Learn about the underlying technical concepts of assigned programs (through both independent learning as well as through program mentors).

• Participate in weekly program meetings and periodic sponsor meetings (requiring oral and/or written updates).

• Develop thorough test, evaluation, and documentation of developed software through continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

• (As desired) participate in research paper writing and business development proposal writing.

Required Qualifications

General:

• Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a US citizen.

Experience:

• Demonstrated professional work experience in software development, integration, and testing

• Experience leading a team of developers to provide an integrated software product

• An earned Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM discipline to the position summary

Software Development:

• Proficiency in real-time compiled programming languages (e.g., C, C++), as well as interpreted languages (e.g. Python)
• Familiarity with version control tools (e.g., Git)
• Demonstrated ability to work as a lead member of a development team in executing sponsored projects

Test and Evaluation:

• Familiarity with CI/CD processes and concepts for code validation

• Strong ability and desire to document and define test cases for developed software

• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills

Preferred Qualifications

One or more of the following:

• Proficiency in Linux and Docker

• Familiarity with GPU-based code development (e.g., CUDA, TensorFlow)

• Familiarity with AI/ML development toolkits (e.g. PyTorch, Keras)

• Prior experience with radio frequency (RF) applications

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience.

Review Date

July 15, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a US citizen.

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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, 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 Jesse Lippard at jklippard@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.