AI Security Research Intern – Summer 2027

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an onsite Intern in the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT to contribute to AI assurance, red-teaming of AI systems, and digital forensics. You will analyze AI systems, prepare documentation, and present findings as part of cross-functional teams in a summer internship.

The role requires enrollment in a degree program, ability to work in the United States, and comfort with Python and common AI/ML tools. Onsite work in Pittsburgh is required.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a degree-granting program.
• Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Able to work onsite in the SEI Pittsburgh office.

Responsibilities

• AI security research and development tasks (80% of workload).
• Documentation of results (20% of workload).

Skills

Written communication

Critical thinking

AI/ML knowledge

Python programming

Collaboration

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Enrolled in degree program

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Python

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 SummaryYou will work as a part of the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT and will collaborate with 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 .You will investigate and evaluate AI systems to contribute to our core functions: AI Assurance, Red Teaming of AI Systems, and AI Digital Forensics, Response, and Mitigation.You will take part in project reviews to gather feedback on research and analysis approaches. This will include revisions, thorough documentation, and presenting work products.You will help to develop solutions to solve operational and mission-based challenges.Requirements:Enrolled in a degree granting program.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 during the summerAble to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh officeKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Have excellent written and verbal communicationAbility to critically think and problem solveSolid understanding of AI/ML including Generative AIBasic proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python)Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow)Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchersWillingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teamsDesired Experience:Experience with programming languages (preferably Python)Experience with training AI/ML modelsExperience with adversarial machine learning techniquesExperience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systemsBasic understanding of cybersecurity conceptsExperience with clearly documenting and communicating findingsThe skills listed above are a nice-to-have bonus, but not strictly necessary for this role.Job Function Breakdown:AI Security Research and Development: 80%Documentation of Results: 20%TOTAL = 100%This position will be onsite at the Pittsburgh office 5 days a week.Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.LocationPittsburgh, PAJob FunctionNon-CMU StudentsPosition TypeIntern (Fixed Term)Full time/Part timeFull timePay BasisHourly