Senior Software Engineer for Applied AI

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Senior Software Engineer for Applied AI to work on our Modeling & Tool Development team. Our team operates on a 9x80 schedule located out of the Engineering Research Office Building (EROB), with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of complex software systems, including solutions that incorporate AI/ML models and capabilities.
• Plan, develop, and implement software engineering solutions to complex problems and major projects across multiple technology stacks.
• Design and build production systems for deploying AI/ML models, including APIs, data pipelines, and integration with existing platforms.
• Apply software engineering principles, theories, and concepts to develop scalable, maintainable solutions using Python, C++, C#, TypeScript, and related technologies.
• Work with relational databases (SQL Server) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Neo4J) to design robust data architectures.
• Support research initiatives by evaluating emerging AI/ML technologies and providing technical guidance on practical application and integration strategies.
• Collaborate with project teams to establish scope, cost, and schedule estimates for design and development activities.
• Participate in technical reviews at various project phases and provide expert recommendations on architecture, technology selection, and implementation approaches.
• Develop and implement CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and deployment strategies for complex systems.
• Maintain and upgrade existing systems while developing new capabilities that advance organizational mission.
• Create and review methodologies and architectures that establish technical standards and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with INL's safety, security, environmental, health and quality assurance requirements.
• Document activities, systems, and methodologies; write and present technical papers representing INL.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, including code reviews, design guidance, and professional development support.
• Utilize expertise to define strategic technical direction and contribute to organizational roadmaps.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, AI/ML, or related field and 9 years of relevant experience.
• Level 5: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, AI/ML, or related field and 14 years of relevant experience.
• Strong foundation in software engineering principles, design patterns, and system architecture.
• Proficiency in multiple programming languages including Python and at least two of: C++, C#, TypeScript/JavaScript.
• Experience with relational databases (SQL Server or similar) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Neo4J, or similar).
• Experience developing and integrating AI/ML models into production environments.
• Experience with RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and modern development practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor other engineers.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Experience architecting and deploying scalable systems in cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) or on-premises environments.
• Hands‑on experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit‑learn) and the ML development lifecycle.
• Experience with .NET ecosystem (C#, .NET Core, Entity Framework, ASP.NET).
• Experience with modern frontend technologies (TypeScript, JavaScript, React or similar).
• Knowledge of MLOps practices, model deployment, and monitoring strategies.
• Experience with Agile/Kanban methodologies and tools like Jira or Azure DevOps.
• Familiarity with large language models, agentic AI systems, and emerging AI technologies.
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Job Information

• The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 – $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 – $281,196). Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• 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.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee may be 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 may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self‑contribute access (postdoctoral positions).
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).
• Comprehensive Relocation Package.
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1‑B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

About Us

INL is a science‑based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

INL Mission

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision

Our vision is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements

To be eligible for employment at INL, males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see