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.
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Redirect ItemResearch Assistant Professor, Research Associate Professor, Research Professor , redirect
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute is looking for applicants for this pooled position in Blacksburg, Virginia. This position serves as a research staff member of the Hume Center, within one of its three research laboratories: Mission Systems Division, Information Systems Division, or Spectrum Dominance Division. Specific responsibilities include the following: (1) support the execution of university sponsored programs by conducting research and development; (2) author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed academic papers; (3) support the development of new funded research programs by participating on proposal teams and supporting the business development activities of VTNSI; (4) mentor students engaged in experiential learning programs; (5) advise graduate students pursuing advanced degrees; and (6) occasionally teach courses.
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Redirect ItemResearch Associate, SDD , redirect
The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s (VTNSI) Spectrum Dominance Division (SDD) is seeking to fill an early- or mid-career research associate position, joining our team for various technical areas including but not limited to: threat weapon system analysis, reverse engineering design, and cognitive radar and electronic warfare (EW) algorithm development. To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the SDD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in radar, EW, antenna design and analysis, AI/ML techniques, and reverse engineering. Prior professional experience in these areas is not a prerequisite but at least some academic or hands-on background is required. Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a US citizen and will be required to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. An earned Master’s degree or an earned Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM discipline to the position summary is also required. Must have prior experience with radio frequency (RF) applications, specifically in radar or EW. Must be able to convey technical research and analysis through effective communication.
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Redirect ItemResearch Associate/Senior Research Associate , redirect
Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, this research role is part of the Institute’s Mission Systems Division (MSD), an interdisciplinary team driving advancements in aerospace, ocean systems, AI/ML, and more. MSD develops cutting-edge technologies for satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms, with a focus on hardware, algorithms, and sensor networks. The position supports research in digital communications, computational electromagnetics, and RF engineering. Responsibilities include conducting R&D, publishing technical papers, developing new programs, and mentoring junior researchers. Candidates must be U.S. citizens capable of obtaining a security clearance and have expertise in areas such as avionics, antenna design, RF systems, signal processing, and software-defined radios. Applicants seeking the rank of Research Associate must possess an advanced degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline. Significant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. For the rank of Senior Research Associate, a doctorate degree in one of these fields is preferred, though a master's degree with extensive professional experience may be accepted.
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Redirect ItemResearch Scientist/Senior Research Scientist , redirect
Based in Blacksburg, Virginia, this research and development role within the Mission Systems Division (MSD) tackles advanced technological challenges involving satellites, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms. MSD fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across aerospace, mechanical, computer, and systems engineering, as well as AI/ML. The position focuses on expertise in orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems engineering, modeling and simulation, or space mission analysis. Responsibilities include conducting R&D, publishing research, securing new programs, and mentoring junior researchers. Candidates must be U.S. citizens eligible for security clearance and have experience in areas such as orbital mechanics and perturbation analysis, satellite mission design, simulation and optimization techniques, data fusion, programming, or model-based system engineering.