Employment Opportunities

The National Security Institute is a fast-growing center at Virginia Tech, and currently supports over 100 faculty, staff, and graduate students. Virginia Tech, which ranked in the top 30 of Forbes' America’s Best Employers for New Grads list and the third-highest ranked educational employer on the list, is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks.

We are always looking for additional talent to support our programs as faculty, researchers, program managers, and administrative professionals. Opportunities exist both at the main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, and at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. We primarily seek US citizens and permanent residents to support our defense-funded research projects.

Open Positions at VTNSI

Redirect Item

Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor or Research Professor , redirect
Join the Virginia Tech National Security Institute as Research Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, or Research Professor within the Intelligent Systems Division. We seek researchers to advance programs in data strategies, AI assurance, digital engineering, test and evaluation, and cyber analytics supporting national security missions. Contribute to cutting-edge research, publish technical work, mentor students, and help develop new sponsored research programs. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in computer science, engineering, AI/ML, mathematics, statistics, data science, or a related field, with strong research and publication experience. Expertise in AI, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, or digital engineering. U.S. citizenship is required, and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level is desired.
Redirect Item

Postdoctoral Associate, Mission Systems Division , redirect
The Mission Systems Division of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute invites applications for a postdoctoral associate position in Hypersonic Aerodynamics. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and advancing new models and simulations for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) hypersonic codes. Specific tasks include developing new turbulence and transition models for compressible hypersonic flows; implementing new models and numerical schemes into larger, existing hypersonic CFD codebases; performing verification & validation studies for the new models; generating CFD datasets using new models for specific applications. This position is based at Virginia Tech's main campus in Blacksburg, VA and offers opportunities for teaching and service-related activities, if desired, to successful candidates. More information on Prof. Liselle Joseph and the PHASE research group can be found at the following link: https://www.aoe.vt.edu/people/faculty/liselle-joseph.html.
Redirect Item

Research Faculty Open Rank, Intelligence Community Portfolio , redirect
Join the Virginia Tech National Security Institute as research faculty advancing mission-driven national security research. We seek mid-career and senior engineers and scientists to lead and execute classified research programs supporting Intelligence Community missions. Contribute technical expertise in ISR, GEOINT, electronic warfare, RF systems, cryptography, or related domains while collaborating with IC sponsors to develop high-impact research and mission-aligned capabilities. Candidates should hold a PhD in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics, or a related field (MS considered) and have experience executing complex research in classified environments. Due to the nature of this work, applicants must be U.S. citizens and hold an active TS/SCI security clearance with the ability to maintain that clearance.