Senior AI Reverse Engineering Researcher

Software Engineering Institute | 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.

In this role, you will apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to code analysis and reverse engineering challenges, including malware detection and classification. You will design and develop analysis methods and tools, identify and address emerging and complex threats, and contribute to the security community. You will document and transition results through reports, presentations, and technical exchanges, and analyze active security threats.

The position is based onsite at an SEI customer location in the Fort Meade area. The job listing also identifies Linthicum as the location. Occasional travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings is required. The position is subject to a background check, and the employee must obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related discipline with 10 years of experience; or a master's degree in the same fields with 8 years of experience; or a Ph.D. in the same fields with 5 years of experience.
• Willingness to travel to various locations, including sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance and pass a background check.
• Experience with or knowledge of predictive modeling, data science, and/or artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
• Ability to develop innovative analytical solutions to code analysis challenges.
• Ability to work 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 using tools such as FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar.
• 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 experience.
• Ability to recognize and appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to adapt to continually shifting priorities.
• Effective communication with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analytical mindset and curiosity about data science and how software works.
• Ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.

Responsibilities

• Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to code analysis and reverse engineering challenges, including malware detection and classification.
• Design and develop new analysis methods and tools.
• Identify, document, and analyze emerging and complex active security threats.
• Address emerging and complex threats and participate in the broader security community.
• Document and transition results through reports, presentations, and technical exchanges.
• Collaborate with the security community through 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 retirement contribution without requiring an employee contribution.
• Tuition benefits at CMU and other institutions for employees and their dependent children.
• Access to university resources, including mindfulness programs and childcare and backup-care benefits.
• Monthly transit benefit on WMATA and free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System.
• Annual professional development opportunities, including conferences, training, and certification.
• Reimbursement for membership in professional societies.
• Relocation assistance for eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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