AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist — Edge Software Systems 2024782

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is seeking an AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist. In this role, you will develop and mature technologies for tactical edge and AI-enabled systems intended for government and industry organizations.

You will need a PhD in a relevant discipline and strong empirical research skills. The position involves communication with stakeholders, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals in edge software systems. Flexible travel and onsite work are required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Two or more years of experience in engineering edge software systems.
• Strong empirical research and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prototype AI technologies for edge systems.
• Balance short-term customer needs with long-term technical goals.
• Advance the TAS research agenda in edge software systems.

Skills

Empirical research skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

PhD in computer science, software engineering, or related discipline

Job description

The SEI’s Tactical Edge and AI-Enabled Systems (TAS) initiative advances and transitions AI and edge software capabilities with a focus on production-readiness of AI and edge systems and components. Examples include supporting small units operating in difficult edge environments that are often disconnected from enterprise computing infrastructure, such as tactical autonomy, first responders, space, and avionics systems. A natural outcome of our work is the advancement and transition of software engineering tools, methods, and approaches to enable production-readiness of AI systems and components.

Position Summary

As an AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist in the TAS Initiative you will develop, mature, and prototype technologies, and transition these technologies to government and industry organizations. You will directly develop and apply work with customers, balancing short-term customer needs with long-term goals of solving complex technical challenges within the development of `tactical edge and AI-enabled systems. You will represent technical work with customers, stakeholders, and the academic community, while advancing the TAS research agenda in edge software systems, in areas such as:

• Edge AI in DDIL (degraded, disconnected, intermittent, limited) environments
• Software engineering for AI-enabled systems, including agentic AI systems

As part of the AI-native Software Engineering (AISE) directorate you will also be a part of the AISE Lab, advancing and learning about the state-of-the-art in AI-assisted tools and processes that are changing the practice of software engineering.

Requirements

• PhD in computer science, software engineering, machine learning, or related discipline
• Two (2) or more years of full-time professional experience engineering edge software systems in a research environment, or eight (8) or more years of demonstrated experience leading the development and transition of innovative software engineering techniques into operational practice
• Strong empirical research skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Development and deployment of edge software systems, or systems with similar technical challenges, into operational environments
• Ability to communicate research outcomes, demonstrated by a publication record which includes relevant top-tier venues in software engineering and AI
• Development of successful research proposals
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in teams with a variety of technical and organizational skills

Other Requirements

• Flexible to travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (~10% travel).
• Able and willing to work onsite at the SEI office in Pittsburgh, 5 days per week.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War) security clearance.