AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental benefits

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks an AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher to apply AI to large-scale software engineering challenges in industry and government contexts. You will disseminate results to engineering teams and the broader academic community, and help shape our AI-native strategy through exploring challenges and metrics.

The role emphasizes collaboration with government and industry sponsors, publishing in top venues, and mentoring junior researchers while advancing practical

Qualifications

• PhD required with at least two years of experience.
• Ability to conduct research applying AI to scale software engineering problems.
• Proven track record publishing in top-tier venues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on applying AI to industry and government-scale software engineering.
• Disseminate results to engineering teams and the broader research community.
• Help shape AI-native software engineering strategy and explore challenges.
• Collaborate with sponsors and teams to study AI workflows and practices.
• Mentor junior team members and guide project execution.

Skills

Software engineering fundamentals

Adaptability to new tech

Research methods

Scientific writing

Academic publishing

Collaboration

Grant writing

Mentoring

Education

PhD with 2+ years experience

Job description

The future of software engineering is AI-native. Our team works to shape that future through pioneering research, practical engineering methods, and close collaboration with government, industry, and academia. At the AI-Native Software Engineering Directorate, we focus on how today's engineering teams can quickly exploit emerging technologies and harness AI capabilities to create and evolve software quickly without losing fundamental software qualities. To address this new world, we : study and guide industry and government teams’ use of AI in software engineering distill best practices and lessons from experiments and experience to shape AI-native software engineering pilot and transition improvements with organizations and measure their success create novel agents and agentic workflows to support software engineering apply AI to accelerate architecture-scale modernization help organizations establish AI-native software engineering practices guide organizations in evolving their software with architecture and AI-native approaches Our overarching goal is to create new workflows and tools that enable AI-paced delivery of software without loss of quality. We're seeking candidates with a demonstrated track record who are motivated to shape AI-native software engineering.

AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher

As an AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher, you will focus on conducting research in application of AI to industry and government scale software engineering problems, applying your research in government and industry settings, and disseminating results to engineering teams and the broader research and software engineering community. You will help shape our AI-Native Software Engineering strategy through exploration of challenges such as:

• assessing the rapidly changing capabilities of AI models and coding agents
• establishing metrics that help organizations understand their use of AI in development and guiding them through improvements
• identifying gaps in AI workflows that result in unnecessarily poor outcomes (e.g., excessive technical debt, bad architecture decisions, or frequent rework loops)
• creating novel agents or agentic workflows
• creating or adapting practices and workflows to embed software engineering discipline
• studying the cost implications of AI and developing strategies for more efficient use of AI (e.g., context management, token management, and balancing use of AI with non-AI approaches)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of software engineering fundamentals
• Ability to keep up with and adapt to rapidly changing technical advances
• A track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods to solve difficult problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas in a layperson’s terms
• Demonstrated track record publishing in top tier peer-reviewed venues
• Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors
• Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects
• Willingness and ability to guide and mentor junior team members

Requirements

• A PhD with at least two (2) years of experience.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.

Desired Experience

• Experience leading research projects in novel areas
• Successful application of AI to improve research or software engineering progress
• Experience working with software engineering teams on large industry or government projects
• Experience working with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver an overall technical strategy

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!

Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Software/Applications Development/Engineering Position Type Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Salary

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile. If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next.

Learn more about Student Employment. Please see Faculty Careers.

For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services or call 412-268-3930.