Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Mission Innovation Lab

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A leading research university seeks a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to lead independent applied-research projects for defense missions. The ideal candidate will work across the full stack, developing AI capabilities using advanced ML models and data pipelines. With a deep understanding of ML theory and experience in programming languages like Python and C/C++, you will mentor junior staff and contribute to the lab's technical strategy. This full-time position is onsite in Pittsburgh, PA.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or related field with ≥10 years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
• Strong experience in one or more programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate state-of-the-art ML models using frameworks.
• Build and maintain robust data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend services.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to technical strategy for the lab.

Skills

Programming in Python/C/C++

Machine Learning theory and algorithms

Deep Learning Libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

DevSecOps practices

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or related field (≥10 years experience) or M.S. (≥8 years) or Ph.D. (≥5 years)

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Senior Machine Learning Engineer (Full‑Stack / Applied‑Research) – Mission Innovation Lab

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering questions related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.

As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning to provide leap‑ahead mission capabilities, we

• build real‑world, mission‑scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems

• discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for robust, secure, scalable, and human‑centered mission capabilities

• prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, and maintaining AI capabilities

• identify and investigate emerging AI and AI‑adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape

Are you creative, curious, energetic, collaborative, technology‑focused, and hard‑working? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team.

Overview

As a Machine Learning Engineer who can take research ideas from concept to prototype, you will lead independent applied‑research projects for defense‑focused missions.

The ideal candidate is comfortable across the full stack (data pipelines, model development, API services, and secure deployment) and eager to explore novel AI and ML theory while delivering mission‑scale capabilities.

The Mission Innovation Lab within the SEI’s AI Division works with the defense and national security community to translate the “recently possible” in AI into reliable mission and warfighting capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art ML models (computer‑vision, NLP, planning, etc.) using frameworks such as TensorFlow,PyTorch, Torch, or Caffe.

• Build and maintain robust data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend services in Python, C/C++, and Java.

• Lead rapid‑prototyping efforts, translate research results into operational prototypes, and test for performance, robustness, and security.

• Define and refine DevSecOps practices for ML (model registries, containerized deployment, continuous integration/continuous delivery, security scanning).

• Mentor junior team members, collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other engineers, and contribute to technical strategy for the lab.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or related field with≥10 years of experience; OR M.S. with ≥8 years; OR Ph.D. with ≥5 years of relevant experience.

• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

• You must be able and willing to work onsite 5 days per week at an SEI office in either Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA.

• Strong experience in one or more programming language such as Python, C/C++, and Java; comfortable developing production‑grade code and APIs.

• Solid understanding of ML theory, statistical learning, and common algorithms.

• Hands‑on experience with TensorFlow,PyTorch, Torch, Caffe, or similar deep‑learning libraries.

• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), model versioning, and security‑focused tooling.

Desired Experience

• Proven track record of independent applied‑research projects that resulted in demonstrable prototypes or operational capabilities.

• Publications or open‑source contributions in AI and ML, especially in adversarial or robust ML.

• Experience working on defense or other high‑impact government programs.

• Ability to quickly learn emerging AI and ML technologies and translate them into mission‑relevant solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Deep technical knowledge of modern ML methods and ability to extend them to novel domains.

• Excellent written and verbal communicationskills; capable of presenting complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Strong collaborative mindset; experience working in interdisciplinary teams and mentoring peers.

• High degree of scientific curiosity and a proactive, self‑directed work style.

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

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

• Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Need Help?

For technical assistance, email [e-mail] or call 412‑268‑4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by emailing [e-mail] or calling 412‑268‑3930.

Always focused on the future, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering.

Our people apply special knowledge and skills and are part of an elite research university. We perform research and apply our expertise every day to foresee problems and exploit opportunities in software engineering, AI engineering, and cybersecurity. Quality software that is secure will control the future. At CMU SEI, we are engineering that ever‑greater software‑fueled future.