Research software engineer

Job Description

Advanced Research Computing (ARC) provides Virginia Tech researchers with access to high-performance computing systems, data storage, visualization facilities, and expert support. We help faculty and students across all disciplines get the most out of advanced computing tools.

The Research Software Engineer, AI/ML builds and maintains our AI and machine learning infrastructure. You'll deploy and optimize LLMs, set up ML platforms, and help researchers integrate AI into their workflows. This is a hands-on role where you'll tackle varied challenges across AI services and grow your skills alongside the team. You will work directly with faculty, Computational Scientists, and the rest of the ARC team to make AI tools accessible and useful for research. The role also involves leading workshops and training to help more people use AI effectively.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this position. This is a hybrid position that will require onsite work each week.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or closely related field required, or bachelor's degree and extensive, progressive experience
• Demonstrated experience deploying and managing Large Language Models in production environments
• Demonstrated experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or Transformers for model development and deployment
• Demonstrated experience with GPU computing in high-performance computing environments
• Demonstrated professional experience with Linux system administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with containerization technologies for scalable ML workload deployment
• Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs or web services for AI/ML tools and platforms
• Experience with LLM inference serving frameworks such as vLLM, SGLang, or llama.cpp for high-throughput, low-latency model deployment
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines using git or similar version control workflows for automated testing and deployment
• Experience with observability and monitoring tools (Grafana, Prometheus) for production systems

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$110,000 - $130,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

3/27/2026

Additional Information

Sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 IT Human Resources at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.