AI Security Research Intern – Summer 2027

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

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI invites an intern to join the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT in Pittsburgh. You will contribute to evaluating AI systems and supporting AI Assurance, Red Teaming, and AI Digital Forensics under supervision.

This fixed-term, onsite internship runs through the summer; enrolled students gain hands-on research experience, document findings, and present results while collaborating with engineers and researchers.

Qualifications

• 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 summer.
• Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office.

Responsibilities

• AI Security Research and Development: contribute to AI assurance, red teaming of AI systems, and AI digital forensics, response and mitigation.
• Document results and revisions; participate in project reviews and present work products.
• Collaborate with professional engineers and researchers to develop solutions for operational and mission-based challenges.

Skills

Python

AI/ML

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Currently enrolled student

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

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

You 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 summer
• Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Have excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to critically think and problem solve
• Solid 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)
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers
• Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams

Desired Experience

• Experience with programming languages (preferably Python)
• Experience with training AI/ML models
• Experience with adversarial machine learning techniques
• Experience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systems
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
• Experience with clearly documenting and communicating findings

The 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.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Non-CMU Students

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance