Vulnerability Analyst

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking researchers in cybersecurity, AI, and automation to advance state-of-the-art in software security. You will study systemic vulnerabilities, develop ML-based tools, and translate research into practical capabilities for national security contexts.

Requirements include advanced degrees with relevant years of experience; willingness to travel; and ability to obtain a DoD security clearance.

Qualifications

• Advanced AI/ML research with hands-on engineering
• Experience in vulnerability research and analysis
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and internet technologies

Responsibilities

• Apply state-of-the-art approaches to understanding systemic vulnerabilities in software systems
• Develop models, tools, and data sets to characterize threats and vulnerabilities
• Develop ML-based prototypes and tools to solve AI-related security problems
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities within a collaborative team

Skills

AI/ML engineering

Vulnerability research

Security fundamentals

Python development

Collaboration

Education

PhD in CS/related fields

MS in CS/related fields

BS in CS/related fields

Job description

Who We Are

SEI conducts applied research and development in software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI in support of government sponsors. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve and secure software-intensive systems. Our core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.

Who We Are

SEI conducts applied research and development in software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI in support of government sponsors. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve and secure software-intensive systems. Our core purposes are to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities, advance cybersecurity methods and technologies, and bring the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.

What We Do

Once a Computer Emergency Response Team that formed in 1988 in response to the Morris Worm, today the SEI CERT Division leads as a Cybersecurity Engineering and Resilience Team conducting collaborative and innovative evidence-based research to fortify the cyber ecosystem and protect national security and prosperity. The Threat Analysis Directorate builds on CERT’s nearly 40 years of applied research aimed at solving the Nation’s most difficult cybersecurity challenges. Our mission is to advance the state-of-the-art and practice for analyzing, assuring, and countering software systems to enhance National Security. Our team of ~40 professionals work in a highly collaborative environment with specialties including AI security, advanced malware analysis and reverse engineering, and vulnerability analysis. We conduct the applied research necessary to develop and accelerate cyber tradecraft advantages against threats to National Security.

What You’ll Do

Apply state-of-the-art approaches to understanding systemic vulnerabilities in software systems and how attackers adapt their tradecraft to exploit those vulnerabilities

• Evaluate the effectiveness of tools, techniques, and processes developed by industry and the security research community
• Develop models, tools, and data sets that can be used to characterize the threats to—and vulnerabilities in—software systems, and publish those results
• Develop machine learning-based prototypes, products, and tools to solve and automate solutions to AI-related security problems
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Who You Are

• Mission-Driven Curiosity: You are deeply interested in cybersecurity, AI, and automation, and you want your work to have impacts beyond your organization. You pick up new technologies and domains quickly and adapt as the threat landscape changes.
• AI and Vulnerability Research Expertise: You have hands-on experience in AI-based research, vulnerability research and analysis, and statistical modeling. You understand rigorous research methods in computer science, engineering, security, AI, and related fields, as well as of internet fundamentals including network protocols, provider operations, and governance.
• Applied AI/ML Engineering: You have experience developing software in Python and other modern languages, and you've built AI/ML solutions that work outside the lab. You know what it takes to get from prototype to something people actually use.
• Security and Internet Fundamentals: You know cybersecurity best practices and have a strong grasp of how the internet works, including network protocols, provider operations, and governance. That foundation lets you see where AI systems connect with real-world infrastructure and risk.
• Trusted Technical Advisor: You give sound advice on a range of security topics, grounded in research and expert judgment. You explain complex technical approaches clearly, in writing and in person, to managers, technical staff, and customers alike.
• Collaborative and Discreet Professional: You work collaboratively and diplomatically with people inside and outside the organization. You plan and organize complex projects, and you handle confidential and sensitive information with care.

Requirements

• BS in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience
• You have a willingness to travel (25%) outside of your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
• You will be subject to a background investigation, and you must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.

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.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance