Associate AI Red Team Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI seeks an AI Red Team Engineer for the AI Security team to emulate adversaries on AI-enabled platforms used in national security contexts. Our red team crosses AI and traditional networks, so expertise in offensive cyber is essential and cross-disciplinary skills are valued.

You will develop tactics, write Python, PowerShell, C, and BASH tools, and coordinate with CERT teams. CMU supports ongoing coursework and professional growth, with some travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with three (3) years of relevant work experience; or a MS in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with one (1) year of relevant work experience; or a PhD in Computer Science or other relevant technical discipline.
• Experience with penetration testing, red teaming, or exploit development.
• Experience programming/scripting in Python, C, and BASH (without AI) and willingness to learn PowerShell.

Responsibilities

• Red team real-world AI-enabled systems in support of national security objectives.
• Develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for attacking AI-enabled systems.
• Write tools in Python, PowerShell, C, and BASH to enable red team operations.

Skills

Penetration testing

Red teaming

Python

C

Ghidra/IDA

TCP/IP

Security analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in CS or related field

MS in CS or related field

PhD in CS or related field

Tools

Cobalt Strike

Sliver

Job description

Who We Are

SEI conducts research and development in software engineering, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and many other areas of computing, working to introduce private-sector innovations into government. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Its core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.

What We Do

The CERT Threat Analysis (TA) Directorate conducts research and development activities to identify, analyze, coordinate disclosure, and mitigate threats and vulnerabilities in systems and software. The TA Directorate is currently comprised of three teams: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Security, Malware and Vulnerability Exploitation, and Platform and Mission Engineering. The AI Security team works on advancing the state of the art in AI security at a national and global scale. The Malware and Vulnerability Exploitation (MVE) team works to improve cyber-tradecraft analysis within strategic target communities to counter adversarial use of the Internet and related technologies. The vulnerability side of MVE (home of the CERT Coordination Center) works with an expansive network of vendors, partners, and collaborators to reduce the societal harm of vulnerable software and systems. The Platform and Mission Engineering team develops and maintains tools, environments, and operational support for the malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis, and AI security domains.

Position Summary

As an AI Red Team Engineer on the AI Security team, you will play a central role in adversary emulation exercises and capability development for our mission partners. Due to our unique position within the TA Directorate, the systems we red-team fall outside the realm of ‘traditional’ enterprise red teaming. Our targets are commonly AI-enabled platforms used within national security contexts. But this isn’t a "make the LLM say the bad thing" type of AI red team. We operate across multiple domains, meaning that our red teamers are expected to be experts in offensive cyber in addition to AI security. If you are experienced with offensive cyber tradecraft and have an interest in breaking into AI, this could be a good fit. Most of our red teamers are actively taking graduate-level technical courses at CMU and/or pursuing technical certifications. Perpetual learning is a core part of what we do.

What you’ll do

• Red team real-world AI-enabled systems (both the model and the hardware/software/network that it runs on) in support of national security objectives.
• Develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for attacking AI-enabled systems and related software in order to better prepare defenders for real-world threats.
• Write tools in Python, PowerShell, C, and BASH to enable red team operations.
• Represent the CERT technical portfolio of work and operations; communicate with external mission partners and internal collaborators in concert with CERT directorates and teams.

Who you are

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with three (3) years of relevant work experience; or a MS in Computer Science or a relevant technical discipline with one (1) year of relevant work experience; or a PhD in Computer Science or other relevant technical discipline.
• Other educational backgrounds of a technical nature with experience as described may be considered.
• You have previous penetration testing, red teaming, or exploit development experience.
• You have previous hands‑on experience with at least one command and control framework (e.g., Cobalt Strike, Sliver).
• You have experience programming/scripting in Python, C, and BASH (without the assistance of AI) and are willing to learn PowerShell.
• You have experience with reverse engineering tools (e.g. NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro).
• You are able to read code and quickly spot basic vulnerabilities without the assistance of AI or fuzzing.
• You are very familiar with TCP/IP and all layers of the OSI model.
• You have experience using Wireshark and can explain how common network protocols work.
• You have experience in assessing the security of both Linux and Windows systems.
• Experience with mobile (e.g., Android) and other operations systems is also appreciated.
• You have at least one of the following relevant certifications: OSCP, CPTS, FORGE/RIOT, eJPT, CBBH, BSCP, PNPT, GRTP, GPEN.
• Applicants without these certifications will still be considered if equivalent experience is clearly demonstrated during technical interviews.
• You have excellent communication skills (oral and written), particularly regarding technical communications with non‑experts.
• You enjoy mentoring and cross‑training others and sharing knowledge within the broader community.
• You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and off‑site meetings.
• You will be subject to a background investigation, and you must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DepartmentofWar security clearance.

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, and 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

CMU University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Statement of Assurance Effective August 24, the URL for the CMU Careers site will change to https://cmu.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/CMU.

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.

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 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures