AI Security Research Intern (Sept 2026 - May 2027)

Carnegie-Mellon-University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) in Pittsburgh is seeking an AI Security Research Intern to contribute to AI assurance, red-teaming, and related security research activities. This student worker role emphasizes collaboration with CMU researchers and engineers in a national security context.

The position is a part-time internship for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, onsite at the SEI Pittsburgh office, with a focus on Python proficiency and basic AI/ML tooling.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field and pursuing a MS in computer science or a technical/engineering field
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s mission (including within the SEI and CMU community)
• Background check required; eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship
• Able to work an internship part-time during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office

Responsibilities

• AI Security Research and Development: contribute to AI assurance and red-teaming
• Documentation of Results: record findings and results

Skills

Python

AI/ML fundamentals

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

BS in CS/CE/Cybersecurity or related field

MS in computer science or engineering (pursuing)

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

ART

Job description

What We Do

The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.

Position Summary

The Threat Analysis Directorate is a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art and practice for analyzing, assuring, and countering software systems to enhance National Security.The AI Security Research Intern will contribute to a variety of core functions including: AI Assurance Red Teaming of AI Systems AI Digital Forensics, Response, and Mitigation

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field and pursuing a MS in computer science or technical/engineering field
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission (including within the SEI and CMU community), unless travel interferes with DoW Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Scholar program activities at CMU.
• You will be subject to a background check and must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship
• Able to work an internship part-time during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to critically think and problem solve
• Understanding of AI/ML including Generative AI
• Basic proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python)
• Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, ART)
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers
• Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of computer networking across multiple physical media
• Systems development skills to aid with the creation of new physical tools

Desired Experience

• Experience with programming languages (preferably Python)
• Experience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systems
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
• Experience with clearly documenting and communicating findings

Job Function Breakdown

• AI Security Research and Development: 80%
• Documentation of Results: 20%
• TOTAL = 100%
• Location Pittsburgh, PA
• Job Function Non-Exempt Graduate Students
• Position Type Student Worker – CMU student (Fixed Term)
• Full time/Part time
• Part time Pay Basis Hourly

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

Statement of Assurance

Always focused on the future, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Our people apply special knowledge and skills and are part of an elite research university. We perform research and apply our expertise every day to foresee problems and exploit opportunities in software engineering, AI engineering, and cybersecurity. Quality software that is secure will control the future. At CMU SEI, we are engineering that ever-greater software-fueled future.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-3930.