Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Mission Innovation Lab

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI AI Division is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to take research ideas from concept to prototype for defense-focused missions. You will lead independent applied‑research projects across data pipelines, model development, API services, and secure deployment.

The ideal candidate is comfortable across the full stack, eager to explore novel AI theory, and capable of delivering mission‑scale capabilities with robust security and collaboration with government

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.
• 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 languages such as Python, C/C++, and Java; 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.

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, CI/CD, security scanning).
• Mentor junior team members, collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other engineers, and contribute to technical strategy for the lab.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

ML theory

Communication skills

On-site work readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics or related field

Master's degree

Ph.D.

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Torch

Caffe

CI/CD pipelines

Docker/Kubernetes

Model versioning

Security tooling

Job description

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?

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 ≥10years of experience; OR M.S. with ≥8years; OR Ph.D. with ≥5years 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 communication skills; 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” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance