Sr. Digital and AI Software Engineer

Join our team here in the Nuclear Science and Technology directorate at Idaho National Laboratory to design, develop, and enhance cutting-edge data management and AI ecosystem tools. In this role, you'll work on data frameworks, digital twins, and AI/autonomy capabilities that directly support programmatic and research goals across the nation’s leading Nuclear Energy Laboratory. You'll help advance data-for-AI strategies, digital thread and digital twin integration, and agentic AI workflows. You will be shaping the future of how our organization builds and deploys intelligent systems.

What You'll Do:

• Design, develop, and improve the DeepLynx data management and AI ecosystem, including its data frameworks, digital twin capabilities, and supporting infrastructure.
• Architect digital systems that structure, integrate, and contextualize data for AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems — ensuring data is discoverable, trustworthy, and ready for downstream models and agents.
• Build and support agentic AI workflows and other AI/ML-driven capabilities within DeepLynx and related digital twin and autonomy applications.
• Apply full-stack development skills across web, desktop, embedded, and hosted platforms to deliver solutions that support programmatic and research goals.
• Implement DevOps best practices (CI/CD, containerization, cloud and on-premise deployment) to support scaling and maintenance of DeepLynx and related applications.
• Follow modern software development practices — agile methodologies, version control, code review, and iterative delivery.
• Ensure robust testing (unit, integration, system) and maintain clear, up-to-date technical documentation for architecture, APIs, and workflows.
• Support integration of modeling and simulation capabilities into complex digital systems (e.g., digital twins) that enable autonomy, contributing to domain-specific development (nuclear, chemistry, critical infrastructure, energy delivery/security) as needed.
• Analyze, test, and maintain data frameworks and simulation-based systems to ensure reliability, performance, and technical validity.
• Develop system designs, requirements documentation, and program software using languages such as C#/C/C++, Rust, Python, and TypeScript.
• Provide technical consultation to internal teams on data architecture, AI integration, and testing practices.
• Contribute to technical publications, conference papers, and reports.
• Mentor colleagues in data engineering, AI integration, and software development best practices.
• Stay current with emerging data, AI, and autonomy technologies.
• Collaborate with high performing scientists and engineers across INL.

What You Bring:

Skills & Knowledge

• Ability to evaluate and select technical approaches for complex data and software systems
• Strong grasp of software engineering principles as applied to data management, architecture, and visualization
• Knowledge of data architecture and modeling principles, including structuring data for AI/ML consumption
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts, including agentic AI workflows and their real-world integration
• Working knowledge of DevOps and modern development practices (agile, version control, CI/CD, containerization)
• Strong communication skills — able to translate technical concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellence collaboration skills and growth mindset.

Required:

• Level 3: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field and 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in the same fields and 2 years of relevant experience. 
• Level 4:  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field and 9 years of relevant experience, a Master's degree in the same fields and 6 years of experience, or a PhD and 4 years of relevant experience.   
• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in C# and Python.
   

 The ideal candidate will possess:

• AWS, Azure, or related cloud certifications.
• Experience with Rust, TypeScript, and C/C++.
• Familiarity with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently 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 must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• You will work a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off at our Collaborative Computing Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or from our satellite office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288) / Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

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 www.sss.gov.

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.