Junior Research Software Engineer, LAS

NC State University; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University’s Laboratory for Analytic Sciences seeks a Junior Research Software Engineer to advance innovative analytical solutions in a government, industry, and academic partnership environment.

The role emphasizes developing prototypes, handling data-intensive tasks, and applying ML models to practical problems. Candidates should have strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, and Java, plus experience with XML/RDF and cloud tools. An active TS/SCI clearance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or computer science with relevant experience or a BS in engineering or computer science with relevant experience.
• Experience architecting, designing, and building complex software systems using compiled and interpreted languages (C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, Ruby).
• Proficiency with XML and RDF and with cloud and web services technologies such as PHP, JSP, and SOAP.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners to develop prototype applications that enhance analyst processes and products.
• Analyze feasibility of business requirements, conceive innovative solutions, implement ad-hoc solutions, and assist the team with technical matters.
• Conduct self-directed applied research to transition ideas from journals into working prototypes.
• Set up computing infrastructure to support analysis efforts.
• Perform data management tasks including data integration, cleaning, preprocessing, and database maintenance such as query optimization and data security.
• Document software code, development processes, and workflows for knowledge transfer and maintainability.
• Test and debug software applications to ensure proper functionality and alignment with user requirements.
• Assist with managing the LAS computing environment.
• In addition to core responsibilities there may be opportunities to take on extra duties.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Perl

Python

Ruby

Education

Master’s degree in engineering or computer science

B.S. in engineering or computer science

Tools

XML

RDF

Docker

AWS

PHP

JSP

SOAP

Job description

About the Department

The mission of the Laboratory for Analytic Sciences ( LAS ) is to imagine, investigate, and implement innovative solutions for a variety of tactical and strategic analytic challenges. A government team with professional knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), social, and behavioral disciplines, in collaboration with correspondingly diverse academic and industry partners, will create advanced technology and analysis tradecraft in accordance with the U. S. Intelligence Community to maintain global awareness and strategic foresight.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

The Junior Research Software Engineer will contribute to the development of innovative technology solutions that support advanced analytical work within the LAS environment. The role brings together applied research, technical problem-solving, and collaboration with government, industry, and academic partners to help transform emerging ideas into practical capabilities. Through this work, the position supports efforts to enhance analytical processes, products, and the technical environment that enables them.

You will work at the intersection of research and application, exploring new approaches and helping turn promising concepts into solutions with practical value. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with technical and analytical professionals, contribute to emerging projects, and apply your skills to challenges where experimentation, problem-solving, and thoughtful technical implementation can make a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Prototyping, Applied Research & IT Support

• Collaborate with government, industry, and academic partners to develop prototype applications that enhance analyst processes and products.
• Analyze the feasibility of business requirements, conceive innovative solutions, implement ad-hoc solutions, and assist the team with technical matters.
• Conduct self-directed applied research to transition ideas, theories, and methodologies published in academic journals into working prototypes.
• Set up computing infrastructure to support analysis efforts.
• Perform data management tasks as needed, including integrating data from various sources, cleaning and preprocessing data, and supporting database maintenance such as query optimization, data schema management, and data security.
• Document software code, development processes, and workflows to support knowledge transfer and maintainability.
• Test and debug software applications to ensure proper functionality and alignment with user requirements.
• Assist with managing the LAS computing environment.

If you are a collaborative and technical professional who enjoys developing innovative solutions, exploring emerging technologies, and applying research to real-world challenges, we invite you to bring your skills to this role. You will have the opportunity to contribute to complex technical projects, and help advance solutions that support the organization’s analytical mission.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in engineering or computer science and at least one year of relevant experience or a B.S in engineering or computer science and at least two years of relevant experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience architecting, designing, and building complex software systems using compiled and interpreted programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, and Ruby.
• Proficiency with structured data formats and approaches such as XML and RDF , as well as cloud and web-services technologies and tools such as PHP , JSP , and SOAP .
• Linux system administration and shell-level scripting, with applicable knowledge of version control, issue tracking, and build systems.
• Experience running, training, and/or evaluating machine learning models, including object detection, image classification, and large language models, and processing complex datasets across schemas and inconsistent data formats.
• Analytical problem-solving and the ability to assimilate complex technical requirements, communicate technical concepts effectively in verbal and written form, work collaboratively in a dynamic environment, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker and virtualized environments such as Amazon Web Services ( AWS ).
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping of software systems and solutions, particularly with the use of agentic coding tools such as Claude Code.
• Experience with image, audio, or text processing.
• Knowledge of integrating machine learning models into software prototypes and/or developing artificial intelligence systems.
• Experience developing complex software in a team environment, including game development and/or web-based services, with strong communication skills.
• Experience working in a classified development environment. Applicants with active TS/ SCI clearances are preferred.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Active TS/ SCI clearance. Preference would be given to those that have an active TS/ SCI clearance with full-scope polygraph.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License required

Commercial Driver's License required No

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail]. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: [phone]