Applied AI Software Developer (Software Developer 2/3)

This position will be filled at either the Software Developer 2/3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

The Weapons Research Services - Secure Networks and Assurance (WRS-SNA) group is seeking an Applied AI Software Developer to work within the Nuclear Weapons Cyber Assurance Laboratory (NWCAL). This position provides an opportunity to develop and deploy advanced AI-enabled software systems supporting hardware assurance, software assurance, cyber-physical resilience, and operational technology mission areas aligned with the LANL weapons mission.

The selected candidate will contribute to the development of scalable AI-enabled applications and operational workflows supporting mission-focused assurance activities. Work within NWCAL spans applied artificial intelligence, large language models, distributed AI workflows, software assurance, operational technology, and cyber-physical systems operating in both laboratory and operational environments. Candidates should be comfortable working in collaborative engineering environments and contributing to modern software development workflows supporting deployable mission capabilities, At this level, the Applied AI Software Developer will work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team to develop, implement, and maintain AI-enabled software applications and workflows supporting assurance and operational mission objectives. Responsibilities include development of AI-enabled applications utilizing modern machine learning and large language model technologies, implementation of scalable software systems in local and distributed compute environments, and integration of AI capabilities into operational workflows.

The selected candidate will contribute to software development activities across the application lifecycle including implementation, testing, deployment, and sustainment. Work will include development within Linux-based environments utilizing modern development tools, containerized workflows, source control systems, and CI/CD practices. The position provides opportunities to work on technically challenging mission problems involving AI systems, cyber-physical environments, and operational assurance capabilities.

In addition to the responsibilities outlined at the lower level, candidates at this level are expected to demonstrate advanced technical capability in the development and implementation of applied AI software systems and modern software engineering practices. Candidates should possess demonstrated experience contributing to the design, implementation, and deployment of purpose-built AI-enabled applications operating in production or operational environments.

At this level, there is an expectation for more independent technical contribution to software architecture, AI workflow implementation, development standards, and engineering execution across collaborative development teams. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with formal software development lifecycle practices including source control management, testing methodologies, deployment workflows, and maintainable software design principles. Additional responsibilities may include contributing to technical direction, mentoring less experienced developers, and helping guide implementation approaches for mission-focused AI capabilities., * Knowledge and experience programming in Python with experience utilizing modern AI/ML frameworks and libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, or similar technologies.

• Knowledge and experience developing and deploying AI-enabled applications utilizing technologies such as large language models (LLMs), retrieval augmented generation (RAG), agentic workflows, model orchestration frameworks, or related AI technologies.
• Knowledge and experience developing software within Linux environments using modern software development tools and workflows including Git, GitLab, containerization technologies, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge and experience developing applications utilizing GPU-enabled local and distributed compute environments.
• Knowledge and experience working within collaborative software development environments utilizing modern development standards and engineering best practices.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary technical teams consisting of software developers, engineers, analysts, and scientific staff.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and development activities to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain a DOE Q-clearance is required., * Demonstrated experience developing and deploying purpose-built AI-enabled software applications in operational, research, or production environments.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to formal software development lifecycle activities including software testing, code review, deployment workflows, and development standards.
• Demonstrated experience designing or implementing scalable AI workflows and distributed AI application architectures.
• Demonstrated experience contributing independently to technical implementation efforts within collaborative engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating hardware, software, and infrastructure requirements supporting AI-enabled application development and deployment.

Education/Experience at Software Developer 2 level : Position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field and 5 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Software Developer 3 level : Position requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field and 8 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications :

• Experience developing AI-enabled applications for cybersecurity, assurance, operational technology, or cyber-physical system environments.
• Experience working with Kubernetes, OpenShift, distributed computing platforms, or scalable AI infrastructure technologies.
• Experience developing modern APIs, backend services, or AI-enabled application frameworks.
• Familiarity with software assurance, secure software development practices, or DevSecOps methodologies.
• Familiarity with scientific, engineering, or operational mission environments requiring collaboration across multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Knowledge and experience with operational technology, industrial control systems, embedded systems, or cyber-physical systems.
• Experience utilizing modern software testing, automation, and deployment methodologies.
• Familiarity with GPU computing environments and scalable AI deployment workflows.
• Active DOE Q Clearance

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management., *Eligibility requirements : To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.