Sr. Digital and AI Software Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 95,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory seeks a software/AI engineer to design, develop, and enhance data management and AI ecosystem tools. You will work on data frameworks, digital twins, and AI/autonomy capabilities to support national program goals.

The role covers full-stack development across web, desktop, embedded and hosted platforms, with emphasis on robust testing, documentation, and collaboration with scientists and engineers at INL.

Qualifications

• Level 3 or Level 4 requires degree plus years of experience.
• Hands-on containerization experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Proficiency in C# and Python.
• Strong data architecture and modeling knowledge.
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and agentic AI workflows.
• Comfort translating complex tech concepts for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve the DeepLynx data management and AI ecosystem.
• Architect digital systems for AI/ML and autonomous systems data readiness.
• Build and support agentic AI workflows and related digital twin apps.
• Apply full-stack development across web, desktop, embedded and hosted platforms.
• Implement DevOps practices (CI/CD, containerization, cloud/on‑prem) for scaling.
• Follow agile methods and maintain documentation for APIs and workflows.
• Mentor colleagues in data engineering and AI integration.

Skills

Data architecture

Software engineering principles

Data modeling

AI/ML concepts

DevOps practices

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Data Science / related field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) with relevant experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

C#

Python

Rust

Job description

Join our team here in the Nuclear Science and Technology directorate at Idaho National Laboratory to design, develop, and enhance cutting-edge data management and AI ecosystem tools. In this role, you'll work on data frameworks, digital twins, and AI/autonomy capabilities that directly support programmatic and research goals across the nation’s leading Nuclear Energy Laboratory. You'll help advance data-for-AI strategies, digital thread and digital twin integration, and agentic AI workflows. You will be shaping the future of how our organization builds and deploys intelligent systems.

What You'll Do:

• Design, develop, and improve the DeepLynx data management and AI ecosystem, including its data frameworks, digital twin capabilities, and supporting infrastructure.
• Architect digital systems that structure, integrate, and contextualize data for AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems - ensuring data is discoverable, trustworthy, and ready for downstream models and agents.
• Build and support agentic AI workflows and other AI/ML-driven capabilities within DeepLynx and related digital twin and autonomy applications.
• Apply full-stack development skills across web, desktop, embedded, and hosted platforms to deliver solutions that support programmatic and research goals.
• Implement DevOps best practices (CI/CD, containerization, cloud and on-premise deployment) to support scaling and maintenance of DeepLynx and related applications.
• Follow modern software development practices - agile methodologies, version control, code review, and iterative delivery.
• Ensure robust testing (unit, integration, system) and maintain clear, up-to-date technical documentation for architecture, APIs, and workflows.
• Support integration of modeling and simulation capabilities into complex digital systems (e.g. digital twins) that enable autonomy, contributing to domain-specific development (nuclear, chemistry, critical infrastructure, energy delivery/security) as needed.
• Analyze, test, and maintain data frameworks and simulation-based systems to ensure reliability, performance, and technical validity.
• Develop system designs, requirements documentation, and program software using languages such as C#/C/C++, Rust, Python, and TypeScript.
• Provide technical consultation to internal teams on data architecture, AI integration, and testing practices.
• Contribute to technical publications, conference papers, and reports.
• Mentor colleagues in data engineering, AI integration, and software development best practices.
• Stay current with emerging data, AI, and autonomy technologies.
• Collaborate with high performing scientists and engineers across INL.

What You Bring:

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to evaluate and select technical approaches for complex data and software systems
• Strong grasp of software engineering principles as applied to data management, architecture, and visualization
• Knowledge of data architecture and modeling principles, including structuring data for AI/ML consumption
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts, including agentic AI workflows and their real-world integration
• Working knowledge of DevOps and modern development practices (agile, version control, CI/CD, containerization)
• Strong communication skills - able to translate technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellence collaboration skills and growth mindset.

Required:

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in the same fields and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field and 9 years of relevant experience, a Master's degree in the same fields and 6 years of experience, or a PhD and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in C# and Python.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• AWS, Azure, or related cloud certifications.
• Experience with Rust, TypeScript, and C/C++.
• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• You will work a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off at our Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or from our satellite office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288) / Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.