Junior to Mid-Level Software Engineer/Scientist

Build 3D AI, deep learning, modeling and simulation, mixed reality, and autonomous systems for real-world missions.

CSLabs is looking for an ambitious junior- to mid-level Software Engineer/Scientist - a software engineer with a science or engineering background, or a scientist/engineer who can build reliable, production-quality software. You will help turn advanced research into mission-ready tools across high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), deep learning, CNN-based computer vision, cutting-edge algorithm development, modeling and simulation, synthetic data, mixed reality (MR), and autonomous maritime systems.

Founded in 2012, CSLabs works at the intersection of physical science, data science, and computer science. You will collaborate with Ph.D. scientists, senior engineers, and practical builders on technologies supporting U.S. defense customers and commercial partners. This is a high-ownership role for someone who wants to learn fast, contribute early, and build software that matters.

We want curious, disciplined builders with strong technical fundamentals and strong character. The right candidate works hard without shortcuts, communicates honestly, protects the quality of the mission, and owns the reasoning behind every line of code. Modern AI tools are welcome when used responsibly; unvetted black-box code is not.

Role snapshot

Role

Junior to Mid-Level Software Engineer/Scientist

Work model

In-person with the CSLabs team; hybrid work may be available for qualified candidates. This is not a fully remote role.

Preferred location

Alexandria, VA area preferred; preference within 100 miles of Alexandria, VA

Compensation

Starts at $60,000+, range based on qualifications and experience

Eligibility

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card holder); some projects may require additional eligibility

Apply

recruiting@cslabs.tech

What you'll help build

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Mixed-reality 3D workflows
for ship-scale LiDAR and photogrammetry point clouds, including ingestion, optimization, collaborative visualization, annotation, and physical interference/clash detection.

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AI/ML and deep learning pipelines
for synthetic data generation, convolutional neural network (CNN)-based computer vision, object detection, segmentation/anomaly detection, transfer learning/fine-tuning, and model evaluation.

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High-performance modeling and simulation, image processing, computer vision, and data-fusion software
for real-time analytical, mission-planning, and engineering decision-support systems.

·  
Cutting-edge algorithm development
for optimization, inference, data association, 3D reconstruction, sensor fusion, simulation workflows, and real-time decision support.

·  
Autonomy software
for unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV) systems, including A*/AI-assisted routing, path planning, navigation/guidance, swarm coordination, and multi-agent decision support.

·  
Cross-platform systems
that integrate C/C++ and Python with real-time engines (Unity, Unreal Engine, OpenXR), AI/deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow), simulation environments, and distributed architectures.

What you'll do

·  Design, implement, test, profile, and optimize C/C++ software for real-world engineering and science problems.

·  
Develop cutting-edge algorithms and workflows
for data ingestion, feature extraction, object detection, 3D reconstruction, sensor fusion, numerical modeling, path planning, optimization, and physical scene analysis.

·  
Develop AI/ML training and evaluation tools
for CNNs and other deep learning models, including preprocessing, augmentation, synthetic datasets, transfer learning/fine-tuning, metrics, reproducible experiment workflows, and validation across real, synthetic, and simulated data.

·  
Build and validate modeling and simulation capabilities
that connect physics, geometry, sensors, autonomy, AI outputs, and mission or engineering constraints.

·  Work across Linux and Windows; use Git, build systems, debugging/profiling tools, and disciplined code review.

·  Translate research ideas into dependable software, clearly document decisions, and communicate risks and tradeoffs.

·  Collaborate closely with scientists, lead engineers, customers, and the core team in person or through approved hybrid work while staying self-directed and accountable.

Requirements

·  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical field, or equivalent technical depth.

·  Proficiency in C/C++ and practical Python scripting experience.

·  Experience in at least one of: image processing, computer vision, machine learning/deep learning, AI model development, CNN-based object detection or segmentation, AR/VR/MR, robotics/autonomy, modeling and simulation, cutting-edge algorithm development, numerical methods, or engineering tools.

·  Strong algorithmic thinking, numerical reasoning, and problem-solving from first principles.

·  A true engineering mindset: you can explain your design choices, test your assumptions, and build solutions rather than merely assemble snippets.

·  Ability to work independently, learn unfamiliar domains quickly, and help less experienced teammates where needed.

·  High attention to detail, strong work ethic, integrity, and comfort in a fast-moving startup environment.

·  Ability to work with the rest of the CSLabs team in person; hybrid arrangements may be approved for qualified candidates, but this is not a fully remote position.

Bonus strengths

·  Multithreaded, multicore, GPU/CUDA, or parallel computing experience

·  Linux and Windows development; CMake, Git, CI/CD, unit testing, profiling, and debugging tools

·  Object-oriented design, design patterns, APIs, distributed systems, or real-time analytical systems

·  Scientific Python: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Scikit-learn, SciPy

·  Computer vision and 3D: OpenCV, Scikit-Image, PCL, LiDAR/point cloud libraries, 3D object detection, reconstruction, and synthetic datasets

·  
AI/ML frameworks:
PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras; CNNs and related architectures for detection/segmentation such as YOLO, Faster R-CNN, U-Net, or Mask R-CNN; model training, evaluation, deployment, and optimization workflows

·  AR/VR/MR, modeling, and simulation: Unity, Unreal Engine, OpenXR, CAD/3D assets, mesh generation, visualization, simulated environments, or game-engine workflows

·  Autonomy/robotics: sensor fusion, path planning, navigation, swarm coordination, multi-agent systems, or UMVs

How we work

CSLabs is not a routine 9-to-5 ticket queue. It is a demanding, high-trust environment where contributors are expected to care about outcomes, communicate clearly, and do the right thing when nobody is looking. Work is team-centered: hybrid arrangements may be approved for qualified candidates, but this position is not fully remote. In return, you will get meaningful technical problems, close access to senior scientists and engineers, room to grow, and the chance to see your work become part of real systems.

·  
Ownership:
take responsibility for results, not just assigned tasks.

·  
Integrity:
be honest about what works, what does not, and what you need to learn.

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Engineering discipline:
test, measure, document, and think before shipping.

·  
Collaboration:
make the team stronger; share knowledge and ask good questions.

·  
Mission focus:
build software that holds up under real constraints.

Compensation and benefits

·  
Base salary
starting at $60,000+, depending on qualifications, experience, skills, location, and demonstrated ability.

·  
Performance-based
salary increases and bonuses for high-impact contributors.

·  
401(k)
retirement plan with employer support for full-time employees.

·  
Healthcare
coverage, including medical and vision.

·  
15 days
(120 hours) PTO per year, plus paid holidays.

·  
Professional development
support for training, certifications, and continuing education.

To apply

Send your resume and a brief note about the kind of technical problems you want to solve along with your citizenship status to
recruiting@cslabs.tech
.

Ready to engineer what's next?
Join CSLabs and help build high-performance, science-driven software for AI/ML, deep learning, modeling and simulation, mixed reality, and autonomous systems.