Senior AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Bus pass

Family Concierge

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University seeks an AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher to explore applying AI to industry and government scale software engineering challenges. You will collaborate with government, industry, and academia to disseminate findings and influence practice.

The role focuses on measuring impact, creating novel AI workflows, and guiding teams toward AI-native software engineering while balancing technical debt and evolving architecture.

Qualifications

• PhD with at least five years of relevant experience.
• Willing to travel up to 25% to various sites.
• Background investigation and ability to obtain DoW security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research applying AI to large-scale software engineering problems in industry and government settings.
• Disseminate results to engineering teams and the broader community.
• Shape AI-native software engineering strategy through exploration of challenges such as AI model capabilities, metrics, and workflows.

Skills

Software fundamentals

Adaptability

Research methods

Technical communication

Collaboration

Proposal writing

Mentoring

Education

PhD

Job description

The future of software engineering is AI-native. Our team works to shape that future through pioneering research, practical engineering methods, and close collaboration with government, industry, and academia.

At the AI-Native Software Engineering Directorate, we focus on how today's engineering teams can quickly exploit emerging technologies and harness AI capabilities to create and evolve software quickly without losing fundamental software qualities.

To Address This New World, We

• study and guide industry and government teams’ use of AI in software engineering
• distill best practices and lessons from experiments and experience to shape AI-native software engineering
• pilot and transition improvements with organizations and measure their success
• create novel agents and agentic workflows to support software engineering
• apply AI to accelerate architecture-scale modernization
• help organizations establish AI-native software engineering practices
• guide organizations in evolving their software with architecture and AI-native approaches

Our overarching goal is to create new workflows and tools that enable AI-paced delivery of software without loss of quality. We're seeking candidates with a demonstrated track record who are motivated to shape AI-native software engineering.

AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher

As An AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher, You Will Focus On Conducting Research In Application Of AI To Industry And Government Scale Software Engineering Problems, Applying Your Research In Government And Industry Settings, And Disseminating Results To Engineering Teams And The Broader Research And Software Engineering Community. You Will Help Shape Our AI-Native Software Engineering Strategy Through Exploration Of Challenges Such As

• assessing the rapidly changing capabilities of AI models and coding agents
• establishing metrics that help organizations understand their use of AI in development and guiding them through improvements
• identifying gaps in AI workflows that result in unnecessarily poor outcomes (e.g., excessive technical debt, bad architecture decisions, or frequent rework loops)
• creating novel agents or agentic workflows
• creating or adapting practices and workflows to embed software engineering discipline
• studying the cost implications of AI and developing strategies for more efficient use of AI (e.g., context management, token management, and balancing use of AI with non-AI approaches)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of software engineering fundamentals
• Ability to keep up with and adapt to rapidly changing technical advances
• A track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods to solve difficult problems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas in a layperson’s terms
• Demonstrated track record publishing in top tier peer-reviewed venues
• Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors
• Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects
• Willingness and ability to guide and mentor junior team members

Requirements

• A PhD with at least five (5) years of relevant experience.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
• Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.

Desired Experience

• Experience leading research projects in novel areas
• Successful application of AI to improve research or software engineering progress
• Experience working with software engineering teams on large industry or government projects
• Experience working with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver an overall technical strategy

Benefits

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional 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!

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

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