Applied AI Software Developer (Software Developer 2/3) Full Time

What You Will Do

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

Software Developer 2 $87,800 – $143,000

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.

Software Developer 3 $104,100 – $172,200

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.

What You Need

• 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.

Additional Job Requirements for Software Developer 3:

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• 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.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People’s Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (“green card” holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

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.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance, and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• 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.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.