Director and Chief Executive Officer - Software Engineering Institute (SEI)

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University invites nominations and applications for the role of Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) —a globally recognized federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) advancing the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems critical to national security. The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). SEI’s mission is to advance the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems of national importance. For more than three decades, SEI has served as a trusted, independent partner to the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and other federal sponsors, providing applied research, engineering, and technology transition capabilities across software engineering, cybersecurity, AI-enabled systems, and emerging technologies. Operating at the intersection of government, academia, and industry, SEI plays a unique role as a solutions-oriented bridge—translating research into practice, enabling sponsors to adopt modern software and AI capabilities, and helping the DoW engage effectively with both traditional and non-traditional technology providers. As national security priorities, acquisition models, and innovation cycles evolve, SEI must continue to adapt its posture, pace, and external engagement while preserving its FFRDC mandate. SEI employs approximately 553 staff, reflecting the scale and complexity of the Institute’s applied research and engineering mission and the corresponding leadership responsibility of the Director & CEO. The Institute is organized into three primary technical divisions whose work spans research, engineering, and technology transition: The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division , which advances reliable, responsible, safe, and transparent AI-enabled systems; The CERT Division , a national leader in cybersecurity that partners with government, industry, law enforcement, and academia to strengthen the security and resilience of computer systems and networks; and The Software Solutions Division , which focuses on improving lifecycle engineering technologies and assuring complex, software-reliant systems from acquisition through sustainment. While each division has a distinct focus, work frequently spans divisions and teams to address sponsor needs in an integrated manner. Please see SEI’s website for more information: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/ POSITION SUMMARY: The Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead SEI at a pivotal moment, advancing its mission as a trusted FFRDC while positioning the Institute to remain highly relevant in a rapidly changing national security, software, and AI landscape. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, this leader will provide strategic, operational, and external leadership to ensure SEI’s continued impact, credibility, and influence with government sponsors, industry partners, and the Carnegie Mellon University community. The next CEO must be externally oriented, serving as SEI’s principal ambassador to senior DoW stakeholders, strengthening visibility and presence in the Pentagon, and clearly articulating SEI’s value proposition as the place to turn for applied solutions in software, AI, autonomy, and cyber resilience. At the same time, the CEO will work closely with a strong internal leadership team to align the organization, build accountability, and drive change where needed. The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , with frequent engagement in Washington, DC, and other sponsor locations.

Requirements

Significant senior leadership experience (15+ years) within a research-intensive organization, national laboratory, FFRDC, academic institute, or complex technology enterprise.
Demonstrated experience partnering with U.S. federal sponsors—particularly the DoW—with trusted, visible, and effective engagement across services and agencies.
Proven ability to lead, build, and develop a high-performing team within a complex, mission-driven organization operating in a highly regulated environment.
Demonstrated success leading change, advancing organizational excellence, and driving mission-level outcomes both internally and externally.
Familiarity with governance, compliance, and financial stewardship within federally sponsored research or higher education environments.
Recognized credibility with senior government, military, academic, and policy stakeholders, including the Pentagon and broader national security ecosystem.
Demonstrated commitment to independence, integrity, and objective analysis.
Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and change while setting clear strategic direction and leading through periods of disruption or transformation.
Deep understanding of software and systems engineering sufficient to build, attract, and lead a top-tier leadership team that can effectively engage warfighters, technologists, and academics.
Experience navigating commercial innovation cycles, timelines, and competitive pressures relevant to today’s DoW, with the ability to ideate with government and industry partners at both the research and mission levels.
Ability to earn credibility within a leading academic institution and translate academic excellence into applied, mission-driven impact.
Proven capability serving as a connective leader across university, government, industry, and/or national security stakeholders.
A master’s degree and the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoW security clearance are required.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Ability to obtain and maintain an active DoW security clearance

Nice To Haves

Earned a doctorate in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related field is preferred.
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Responsibilities

Shape and execute a multi-year vision that positions SEI as the DoW’s go-to partner for defining and advancing the methods and processes that enable it to deliver software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering capabilities effectively and at speed.
Balance continuity of SEI’s FFRDC mission with the need to adapt pace, posture, and engagement models as national security and technology priorities evolve.
Partner with Carnegie Mellon leadership to strengthen alignment across the university while preserving SEI’s independence, neutrality, and sponsor trust.
Uphold and advance SEI’s reputation for technical rigor, independence, and objective analysis while ensuring research translates into mission-relevant outcomes.
Provide executive oversight across applied research, engineering, and transition activities, ensuring SEI remains at the forefront of providing cutting-edge techniques for the development and sustainment of software-intensive and AI-enabled systems.
Foster collaboration across Carnegie Mellon that lowers barriers between fundamental and applied research in the service of national security missions.
Serve as SEI’s primary external ambassador to the DoW and other federal sponsors, with sustained, visible presence at senior levels.
Build and maintain trusted relationships amid frequent sponsor turnover, clearly articulating what SEI does, why it matters, and when to engage it.
Ensure SEI operates fully within FFRDC requirements while helping sponsors navigate ecosystem complexity and accelerate outcomes.
Lead SEI as a complex, highly regulated enterprise, with responsibility for financial stewardship, governance, and compliance.
Drive organizational alignment, accountability, and agility, working in close partnership with the COO and senior leadership team.
Ensure operating structures, incentives, and processes support speed, collaboration, and sponsor responsiveness.
Champion a mission-oriented culture grounded in integrity, accountability, service, and collaboration.
Attract, retain, and develop top technical and research talent amid intense competition from industry.
Lead change management with clarity and credibility, strengthening morale and trust during periods of transition.
Represent SEI and Carnegie Mellon as national leaders in software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI.
Strengthen SEI’s external brand so government and industry leaders clearly understand its unique role as a bridge between research and application.
Engage selectively with industry to enable innovation while protecting SEI’s neutrality and FFRDC mandate.

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
Unlock your potential with tuition benefits
take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays
rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

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