Associate Software & AI Engineer

VT-ARC is seeking an Associate Software & AI Engineer to support full-stack software development, AI-enabled analysis capabilities, and mission engineering applications for federal and defense-oriented clients. This role is focused on building and maintaining practical software systems across the full application lifecycle, including user interface development, backend API implementation, database integration, cloud deployment support, CI/CD workflows, testing, documentation, and operational sustainment.

What You Will Do

Build and maintain full-stack web applications from concept through production for federal clients within Agile, cross-functional teams. Develop reusable front-end interfaces, components, and workflows using React, Angular, or comparable modern web frameworks. Implement and maintain RESTful APIs and backend services using technologies such as Python, Node.js, Flask, FastAPI, SQL, and PostgreSQL.

Why It Might Be a Fit

You are an early-career software engineer with hands-on experience building full-stack applications, front-end workflows, backend APIs, and AI-enabled analysis tools for mission-focused users. You bring practical experience with modern web development, including React, JavaScript or TypeScript, REST APIs, Python, SQL, and cloud-based deployment workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Science, or a related technical field
• 2+ years of software engineering experience, including professional, internship, applied research, academic, or equivalent project experience
• Experience developing full-stack applications using modern frameworks such as React, Angular, or comparable web technologies
• Experience with JavaScript or TypeScript and front-end development concepts, including component-based development, state management, HTML, CSS, and responsive interface implementation
• Knowledge of backend development using Python, Node.js, SQL, RESTful APIs, and relational databases such as PostgreSQL
• Knowledge of software design patterns, application architecture, API design, testing practices, technical documentation, and production software delivery
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, including basic deployment, service usage, monitoring, and cost-aware engineering practices
• Familiarity with Git-based version control, branching strategies, pull requests, code reviews, and collaborative repository management
• Ability to work effectively in Agile, cross-functional teams with engineers, program staff, technical leads, and mission stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving, communication, documentation, and learning skills, with the ability to take ownership of assigned development tasks and deliver high-quality work

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Benefits package
• Opportunity to work on mission-critical programs
• Access to Virginia Tech’s multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem
• Opportunity to contribute to LLM-powered analysis capabilities
• Opportunity to work on federal, defense, mission engineering, wargaming, simulation, or DoD data analysis projects