Senior AI Security Software Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

1d

About The Position

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking a Senior AI Security Software Engineer to develop machine-learning-based prototypes, products, and tools that solve and automate AI security problems. The role works with researchers and customers on AI security challenges, including AI red teaming, counter-AI applications, generative AI and large language models, data visualization, AI system security analysis, and adversarial machine learning. The team conducts experimental designs for large-scale AI security research programs and works with a wide range of cybersecurity data, including malware samples, NetFlow data, cybersecurity training runs and tests, and incident tickets.

The engineer collaborates with SEI researchers, customers, stakeholders, and university faculty to translate research concepts into practical operational capabilities. The work applies software and machine-learning engineering practices, data processing, and analytics to support AI security research and the national security mission. Occasional travel to SEI and CMU community locations, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings is required (5%). The role is located in Arlington, Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and requires a background check and the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or a related discipline and 10 years of experience; or a master’s degree in the same fields and 8 years of experience; or a PhD in the same fields and 5 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 and pass a background check.
• Ability to travel occasionally (5%) to support the SEI’s mission.

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, such as 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