Senior AI Reverse Engineering Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University seeks a Senior AI Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. This position is based onsite at an SEI customer location in the Fort Meade area and focuses on applying AI/ML to code analysis, malware detection, and reverse engineering challenges.

You will design new analysis methods, document results, mentor teammates, and collaborate with government, industry, and academia.

Qualifications

• BS in Data Science/CS or related with eight (10) years of experience;
• MS in the same fields with five (8) years of experience;
• PhD in the same fields with two (5) years of experience.
• Experience with or knowledge of Predictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learning.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analytics.
• Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow.
• LLMs / agentic workflows (LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack).
• Experience deploying models (FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar).
• Experience with disassemblers, decompilers, and debuggers (IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra).
• High-level programming languages (Java, Python, GoLang, etc.).
• Software engineering and design concepts.
• Familiarity with malware tradecraft and threat actor TTPs.
• Willingness to travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.

Responsibilities

• Apply AI and ML techniques to code analysis and reverse engineering challenges for threat assessment.
• Design and develop new analysis methods and tools for malware detection/classification.
• Document and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges.
• Identify, document, and analyze emerging and complex active security threats.
• Collaborate with the broader security community through papers and presentations.
• Mentor and train others, sharing knowledge across teams.

Skills

Data science

Reverse engineering

Malware analysis

Technical writing

Mentoring

Communication

Education

BS in Data Science/CS or related

MS in Data Science/CS or related

PhD in Data Science/CS or related

Tools

LightGBM/XGBoost

CatBoost

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Haystack

FastAPI

Triton

KServe

SageMaker

Vertex AI

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Java

Python

Go

Job description

This position is based onsite at an SEI customer location in the Fort Meade area.About the roleThe 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.The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an applicant for the role of a Senior AI Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University. What you’ll doApply artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to code analysis and reverse engineering challenges to support technical and threat-based assessment, such as malware detection/classificationDesign and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats, and effectively participate in the broader security communityDocument and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchangesIdentify, document, and analyze emerging and complex active security threatsParticipate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentationsWho you areYou enjoy working on emerging and complex data science problems, especially those that relate to reverse engineering and malware analysisYou have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about data science and how software worksYou have the ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool developmentYou have strong technical writing experienceYou recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive informationYou are able to handle continual shifting prioritiesYou enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledgeYou communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiencesYou have BS in Data Science, Computer Science or related discipline with eight (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (5) years of experienceYou have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion.You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearanceYou have experience with or knowledge ofPredictive modeling, data science, and/or AI & machine learningDeep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and advanced data analyticsInnovative and inquisitive with ability to imagine novel analytical solutions to code analysis challengesThrives in a multi-disciplinary environmentExperience with Modern ML frameworks: LightGBM/XGBoost, CatBoost, PyTorch,JAX, TensorFlow)LLMs / agentic workflows (i.e. LangChain/LlamaIndex/Haystack)Experience deploying models (i.e. FastAPI, Triton, KServe, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or similar)Experience with disassemblers, decompilers, and debuggers (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra)Experience with high-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.)Software engineering and design conceptsFamiliarity with malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)Why work here?Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on softwareWork with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nationGet 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourselfGet tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent childrenGet access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit SystemEnjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societiesQualify for relocation assistance and so much moreJoining 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!For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .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.Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!LocationLinthicumJob FunctionSoftware/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition TypeStaff – RegularFull Time/Part timeFull timePay BasisSalary