Senior AI Reverse Engineering Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University•Linthicum, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The CERT Division of Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking a Senior AI Reverse Engineering Researcher for its Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center that works with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to advance software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. This position is based onsite at an SEI customer location in the Fort Meade area; the listed location is Linthicum. The researcher applies artificial intelligence and machine learning to code analysis and reverse-engineering challenges, including malware detection and classification. The role develops analysis methods and tools, identifies and assesses emerging security threats, and communicates findings through reports, presentations, and technical exchanges. The researcher also contributes to the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations. The position requires an analytical and curious approach to data science and software, strong technical writing and communication skills, the ability to handle sensitive information and shifting priorities, and an interest in mentoring and sharing knowledge. Occasional travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings is required. The employee will be subject to a background check and must obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline with the experience stated in the posting as eight (10) years; or a master’s degree in the same fields with five (8) years; or a Ph.D. in the same fields with two (5) years. The experience figures are presented inconsistently in the posting.
Experience with or knowledge of predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI and machine learning.
Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
Ability to develop novel analytical solutions to code-analysis challenges.
Ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment.
Experience with modern machine-learning frameworks, such as LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow.
Experience with LLMs or agentic workflows, such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or Haystack.
Experience deploying models, such as with FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar tools.
Experience with disassemblers, decompilers, and debuggers, such as IDA Pro or NSA Ghidra.
Experience with high-level programming languages, such as Java, Python, or Go.
Knowledge of software engineering and design concepts.
Familiarity with malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
Strong technical writing and effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to recognize and appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to handle continually shifting priorities.
Willingness to travel occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
Must undergo a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Interest in mentoring and training others and sharing knowledge.

Responsibilities

Apply AI and machine learning techniques to code analysis and reverse-engineering challenges, including malware detection and classification.
Design and develop analysis methods and tools.
Identify, document, and analyze emerging and complex active security threats.
Support technical and threat-based assessments.
Document and transition results through reports, presentations, and technical exchanges.
Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations.
Mentor and train others and share knowledge.
Travel occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings to support the SEI’s mission.

Benefits

8% monthly employer retirement contribution without requiring an employee contribution.
Tuition benefits at CMU and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
Paid time off and observed holidays.
Life, accidental death, and disability insurance.
Monthly WMATA transit benefit.
Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
Childcare and backup-care benefits, including access to a Family Concierge Team.
Mindfulness programs.
Fitness center access.
Annual professional development opportunities, including conferences, training, certifications, and reimbursement for professional-society memberships.
Relocation assistance for eligible employees.