Overview
SCCI is currently seeking a Senior Software Developer to join our team! In this position you will work in a newly established R&D department focused on delivering next-generation autonomous systems and immersive training solutions for defense and government customers. This role demands deep expertise in applied machine learning, with a direct hand in prototyping and fielding AI-driven capabilities that address real operational requirements. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of translating complex ML concepts into working systems within the constraints of defense hardware, software, and security environments. If you are motivated by mission-critical impact and the challenge of building at the edge of what is possible, we want to hear from you! This position is located in Dahlgren, VA.
SCCI offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability benefits, 401k with Company Match, time off consisting of 2 weeks of paid vacation, 48 hours of sick/personal leave, and 11 paid Holidays.
Responsibilities:
- Proactively identifies emerging DoD capability gaps and operational needs, developing AI/ML prototype concepts in advance of formal government solicitations to position SCCI for OTA responses, SBIR/STTR opportunities, and DoD challenge competitions
- Drives the R&D technical vision for AI/ML capabilities, with a current focus on computer vision, edge-based inference, and autonomous swarm control while continuously scanning the threat and technology landscape to anticipate the next competitive frontier
- Translates operational military requirements into prototype AI/ML solutions that are demonstrable, defensible, and transition-ready for program of record or follow-on acquisition
- Collaborates with Program Manager to document technical project objectives, effort estimates, and milestone schedules for AI/ML R&D efforts and tracking execution against plan
- Designs, develops, and iterates AI/ML prototype solutions with emphasis on computer vision applications for edge-deployed systems
- Develops and optimizes models for deployment on resource-constrained edge hardware, balancing inference performance, power envelope, and operational reliability
- Integrates AI/ML capabilities into simulation and training environments to produce adaptive, hyper-realistic training scenarios that respond dynamically to trainee behavior and mission context
- Maintains a working prototype pipeline that enables rapid demonstration to government customers, OTA consortia, and DoD evaluators with minimal lead time
- Identifies and escalates technical risks early, proposes mitigation approaches, and adjusts development priorities to keep prototype efforts on schedule and within resource constraints
- Mentors and technically guides junior and mid-level developers in applied AI/ML concepts, development practices, and defense problem framing — building internal depth in a skill area where bench strength is currently limited
- Establishes repeatable development patterns, coding standards, and documentation practices that enable the broader team to contribute meaningfully to AI/ML prototype efforts over time
- Actively monitors competitor capabilities, government R&D investment trends, and emerging academic and commercial AI/ML advances to ensure SCCI maintains a differentiated and defensible position in the autonomous systems and simulation training marketspace
- Contributes technical concepts for white papers, capability briefs, technical volumes, and proposal content that articulate SCCI’s AI/ML vision and prototype achievements to government customers and industry partners
