Senior Research Scientist - Advanced Computing Lab

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

Job summary

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) AI Division in Pittsburgh, PA, seeks a senior research scientist to shape and lead research in advanced computing and applied AI for government needs.

You will direct interdisciplinary teams, prototype operational capabilities at scale, and publish results while engaging diverse stakeholders. Travel to sponsor sites and conferences may be required; proven publication and proposal experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 5–10 years of research experience.
• Experience leading research projects and mentoring teams.
• Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals and managing funded projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead novel research in advanced computing and applied machine learning.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams to translate research into prototype operational capabilities for government customers.
• Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate technologies in relevant environments.
• Test and evaluate new systems for performance and usability.
• Collaborate with researchers, developers, engineers, and customers to identify challenges and solutions.
• Mentor junior staff and establish technical norms for the division.
• Explore advanced hardware such as FPGAs and emergent technologies.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations and publish in peer-reviewed venues.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Verilog/VHDL

Team leadership

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

PhD in a related field

Job description

The SEI AI Division

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges 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.

The SEI AI Division

At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges 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 human-centered, robust, secure, and scalable 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, and collaborative? Do you enjoy doing meaningful and complex work? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond?

Position Summary

As a senior research scientist with proven expertise in advanced computing, you will identify, shape, apply, conduct, and lead research in support of critical U.S. government needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background with hands‑on experience in one or more of the following technology areas: performance optimization with heterogeneous and alternative computing systems (CPU/GPU/NPU/etc.), high-performance computing (HPC), distributed and scalable computing, compiler technology, and algorithm optimization. Additional expertise in applying AI/ML to electromagnetic spectrum operations, hardware/software codesign, and FPGA design is a plus.

Duties

• Lead novel research in advanced computing and applied machine learning.


• Lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.


• Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments.


• Test and evaluate new and novel systems for performance and usability.


• Collaborate with researchers, developers, engineers, designers, technical leads, campus labs, and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and potential solutions.


• Mentor and teach junior staff, lead design sessions, and establish technical norms for the division.


• Explore the latest advanced hardware, including FPGAs, CGRAs, TPUs, and emergent technologies such as neuromorphic and analog processors.


• Work with division leadership and colleagues to plan, develop, expand, and carry out an overall research strategy, and influence the national research agenda regarding future technology.


• Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations for diverse audiences, tailor content for varied stakeholders, speak at conferences and workshops, and publish in pertinent peer‑reviewed journals.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience.


• Able to travel to the Arlington SEI office, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate (25%) travel outside of your home location.


• You will be subject to a background check investigation and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• A published track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods.


• Mastery of C/C++, Python, Verilog/VHDL, and/or other pertinent languages and software tools and frameworks.


• Experience leading research projects and collaborating across research teams and mentoring other researchers.


• Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals to funding agencies and leading the resulting projects.


• Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community.


• Familiarity with emerging trends and opportunities in industry and government.

Location

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