Senior AI Engineer for Embedded Security

MITRE; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE’s Embedded Security group seeks engineers to develop and secure next-generation embedded systems for national missions. You will work at the intersection of AI/ML, hardware security, and software to prototype and validate capabilities in collaboration with government sponsors.

We value experience in embedded security, C/C++, Python, and Linux/RTOS environments, with a requirement for a Secret security clearance and on-site presence. Join a mission-driven, nonprofit research organization.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can contribute.
• Experience applying AI/ML or deep learning to real technical problems.
• Experience developing custom AI/ML solutions for domain-specific challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in embedded systems security and low-level system analysis.
• Strong background in computer architecture / microarchitecture, OS security, hardware security, reverse engineering, side-channel analysis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and apply AI/ML solutions to mission-critical challenges in embedded security.
• Guide integration of AI/ML into existing tooling to magnify capabilities.
• Shape research to bridge the gap between academic and frontier capabilities and real-world solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams conducting embedded security research, vulnerability assessment, and hardware/software co-design.
• Deliver prototypes, technical recommendations, and engineering support to sponsors.
• Support development of embedded security requirements, acquisition guidance, and implementation security best practices.
• Communicate and document technical approaches, risks, and results to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.

Skills

AI/ML applications

Embedded security

Python

C/C++

Linux/RTOS

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree + experience

Master’s degree preferred

PhD considered

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

MITRE’s Electronic Systems Security department is seeking highly motivated engineers to develop and secure next-generation embedded systems supporting missions of national importance. Our teams work at the intersection of embedded software, computer architecture, hardware security, and applied research to design, prototype, evaluate, and transition resilient systems capable of operating in sophisticated threat environments.

Qualified candidates will join a technically deep, mission-focused environment where they will contribute directly to government sponsor efforts, prototype advanced capabilities, improve embedded system security requirements for national security programs, and help advance the state of the art in secure embedded computing.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and apply AI/ML solutions to mission-critical challenges in embedded security.
• Guide integration of AI/ML into existing tooling to magnify capabilities.
• Shape research to bridge the gap between academic and frontier capabilities and real-world solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams conducting embedded security research, vulnerability assessment, and hardware/software co-design.
• Deliver prototypes, technical recommendations, and engineering support directly to sponsors.
• Support development of embedded security requirements, acquisition guidance, and implementation security best practices.
• Communicate and document technical approaches, risks, and results to sponsors and stakeholders.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with relevant experience who can immediately contribute at this job step; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience. Applicants selected for this position will be subject to a US government security investigation.
• Experience applying AI/ML or deep learning to real technical problems.
• Experience developing custom AI/ML solutions to domain-specific challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in embedded systems security and low-level system analysis.
• Strong background in one or more of the following:
  • Computer architecture / microarchitecture
  • Operating systems security
  • Hardware security
  • Reverse engineering
  • Side-channel analysis / fault injection
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++, with experience in low-level or embedded software development.
• Experience with Linux, RTOS, kernel/driver concepts, or embedded operating environments.
• Ability to lead technical work, communicate with sponsors, and shape research direction.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in AI, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Active security clearance, especially Top Secret or TS/SCI.
• Technical depth with ability to work from transistor/silicon-informed concerns up through OS, firmware, and application layers.
• Strong problem-framing skills in ambiguous research environments.
• Ability to bridge AI/ML with practical embedded security outcomes.
• Strong collaboration and mentoring mindset.
• Comfortable leading both hands-on engineering and strategic technical direction.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$143,600 - $179,500 - $215,400 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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