Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Mission Innovation Lab

Carnegie-Mellon-University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University SEI is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer to take research ideas from concept to prototype for defense-focused missions. The role spans data pipelines, model development, API services, and secure deployment, with collaboration across researchers and government customers.

The ideal candidate advances ML theory, has hands-on DL experience, and is ready to work onsite in Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA while mentoring teammates and shaping technical strategy.

Qualifications

• BS in CS/EE/Statistics or related field with extensive experience; MS/PhD optional depending on years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD security clearance.
• Onsite work 5 days/week at CMU SEI offices in Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA.
• Strong programming in Python, C/C++, and Java; production-grade code and APIs.
• Solid ML theory, statistics, and common algorithms.
• Hands-on with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Torch, Caffe, or similar DL libraries.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), model versioning, and security tooling.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate state-of-the-art ML models (CV, NLP, planning).
• Build and maintain data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend services in Python, C/C++, and Java.
• Lead rapid prototyping, translate research results into operational prototypes, test performance and security.
• Define and refine DevSecOps practices for ML (model registries, containerized deployment, CI/CD, security scanning).
• Mentor junior team members and collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other engineers.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

TensorFlow

PyTorch

CI/CD

Docker/Kubernetes

API development

Data pipelines

Security awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE/Statistics

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

API services

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 ≥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 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

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

Statement of Assurance 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.

Need Help? For technical assistance, email [e-mail] or call 412-268-5072. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-3930.