AI Security Software Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

1d

About The Position

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an AI Security Software Engineer to help advance the security and resilience of AI systems in support of the national security mission. CERT conducts research into AI security tactics, techniques, and procedures, including large-scale AI security research, AI red teaming, counter-AI applications, generative AI and large language models, data visualization, AI system security analysis, and adversarial machine learning. The team has access to diverse cybersecurity data, including malware samples, NetFlow data, training runs and tests, and incident tickets.

In this role, you will apply software and machine learning engineering practices, data processing, and analytics to help researchers address AI security challenges. You will work with researchers and customers to develop machine-learning-based prototypes, products, and tools that solve or automate AI security problems. The role offers opportunities to collaborate with AI and cybersecurity professionals and university faculty on technologies that can influence national AI and cybersecurity strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or a related discipline and eight years of experience; or a master’s degree in one of these fields and five years of experience; or a PhD in one of these fields and two years of experience.
• Understanding of software engineering principles and system design.
• Experience with containerization and microservices architectures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.
• Ability to undergo a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience applying statistical modeling and advanced data analytics techniques.
• Background developing AI/ML solutions in real-world settings.
• Familiarity with applied machine-learning domains such as natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, or audio analysis.
• Experience and knowledge in cybersecurity best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine-learning-based prototypes, tools, and systems for AI security applications.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to design and execute experimental AI security solutions, communicating with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Apply software engineering best practices and grounded design principles to build scalable, maintainable systems.
• Process and analyze large, diverse cybersecurity datasets, including malware, NetFlow, and incident data.
• Support AI red teaming and adversarial machine-learning initiatives.
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, working independently and collaboratively.
• Travel occasionally to support the SEI’s mission, including to SEI and CMU community locations, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

Benefits

• 8% employer retirement contribution with no employee contribution required.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependent children.
• Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and certifications.
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior