AI Security Software Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% employer retirement contribution

Tuition benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Paid parental leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an AI Security Software Engineer for its CERT Division to develop advanced AI security tools and systems. The role offers the opportunity to work with elite professionals and influence national security strategies through AI advancements.

Ideal candidates will hold at least a PhD in a relevant field and have substantial experience in machine learning and cybersecurity practices. Attractive benefits include flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience with statistical modeling and advanced data analytics techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine-learning based prototypes and systems for AI security.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders.
• Process and analyze cybersecurity datasets.
• Support AI red-team and adversarial machine-learning initiatives.

Skills

Machine learning development

Software engineering principles

Data analytics

Cybersecurity best practices

Containerization

Microservices architectures

Statistical modeling

Education

PhD in a relevant field

MS in a relevant field

BS in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking applicants for the role of AI Security Software Engineer. Established in response to the Morris worm, CERT has been a leader in cybersecurity research, advancing the resilience of software systems and responding to sophisticated cyber threats. As AI becomes central to critical infrastructure, advancing its security and resilience offers a compelling opportunity to shape the future, impacting support of the national security mission.

Our team researches and develops tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for the field of AI security. Our work includes experimental designs for large‑scale AI security research programs, AI red–team analysis, and counter‑AI applications. Additionally, we work in generative AI and large language models, data visualization, security analysis of AI systems, and adversarial machine learning. We have access to a wide variety of cyber‑related data, including malware samples, NetFlow data, cyber‑security training runs and tests, incident tickets, and more.

Artificial Intelligence Security Software Engineers at the SEI use software and machine learning engineering practices, data processing, and data analytics to help our researchers solve AI security challenges. In this role, you will work with our researchers and customers to develop machine‑learning based prototypes, products, and tools to solve and automate solutions to AI Security problems. You’ll get a chance to work with elite AI and cyber‑security professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national AI and cyber‑security strategy for decades to come.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop machine‑learning based prototypes, tools, and systems for AI security applications, demonstrating strong expertise in ML development and deployment.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to design and execute experimental AI security solutions, communicating effectively across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Apply software engineering best practices to build scalable, maintainable systems, grounded in design principles.
• Process and analyze large, diverse cybersecurity datasets (e.g., malware, NetFlow, incident data), using strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Support AI red‑team and adversarial machine‑learning initiatives, applying an innovative and research‑driven mindset.
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.
• Understanding of software engineering principles and system design.
• Experience with containerization and microservices architectures.
• Travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission (within SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and off‑site meetings on occasion (5%)).
• Subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying statistical modeling and advanced data analytics techniques.
• Background in developing AI/ML solutions in real‑world settings.
• Familiarity with applied machine‑learning domains (e.g., natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, audio analysis).
• Experience and knowledge in cybersecurity best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains.

Why Join Us

• Contribute to a world‑class organization with significant impact on software and national security.
• Work with cutting‑edge technologies alongside leading experts in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
• 8% employer retirement contribution (no employee contribution required).
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependent children.
• Flexible work arrangements and strong work‑life balance.
• Paid parental and military leave.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and certifications.
• Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.

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. You also receive tuition benefits, ample paid time off and observed holidays, life and accidental death and disability insurance, a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and more. For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

Location

Arlington, VA; Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular, Full time, Salary

Equal Opportunity Statement

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