What We Do:
The SEI’s Tactical Edge and AI-Enabled Systems (TAS) initiative advances and transitions AI and edge software capabilities with a focus on production-readiness of AI and edge systems and components. Examples include supporting small units operating in difficult edge environments that are often disconnected from enterprise computing infrastructure, such as tactical autonomy, first responders, space, and avionics systems. A natural outcome of our work is the advancement and transition of software engineering tools, methods, and approaches to enable production-readiness of AI systems and components.
Position Summary:
As an AI and Software Engineering Research Scientist in the TAS Initiative you will develop, mature, and prototype technologies, and transition these technologies to government and industry organizations. You will directly develop and apply work with customers, balancing short-term customer needs with long-term goals of solving complex technical challenges within the development of `tactical edge and AI-enabled systems. You will represent technical work with customers, stakeholders, and the academic community, while advancing the TAS research agenda in edge software systems, in areas such as:
- Edge AI in DDIL (degraded, disconnected, intermittent, limited) environments
- Edge Intelligence
- Edge-to-Cloud continuum
- UaX-Edge collaboration
- Software engineering for AI-enabled systems, including agentic AI systems
As part of the AI-native Software Engineering (AISE) directorate you will also be a part of the AISE Lab, advancing and learning about the state-of-the-art in AI-assisted tools and processes that are changing the practice of software engineering.
Requirements:
- PhD in computer science, software engineering, machine learning, or related discipline
- Two (2) or more years of full-time professional experience engineering edge software systems in a research environment, or eight (8) or more years of demonstrated experience leading the development and transition of innovative software engineering techniques into operational practice
- Strong empirical research skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Development and deployment of edge software systems, or systems with similar technical challenges, into operational environments
- Ability to communicate research outcomes, demonstrated by a publication record which includes relevant top-tier venues in software engineering and AI
- Development of successful research proposals
- Excellent analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in teams with a variety of technical and organizational skills
Other Requirements:
- Flexible to travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (~10% travel).
- Able and willing to work onsite at the SEI office in Pittsburgh, 5 days per week.
- You will be subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War) security clearance.
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Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Software/Applications Development/EngineeringPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore 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
Skills Required
- PhD in computer science, software engineering, machine learning, or related discipline with 2+ years experience in engineering edge software systems, or equivalent experience (e.g., 8 years)
- Strong empirical research skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Able and willing to work onsite at the SEI office in Pittsburgh, 5 days per week
- Flexible to travel to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings (~10% travel)
- Subject to a background investigation and must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance
- Development and deployment of edge software systems into operational environments
- Publication record in relevant top-tier venues in software engineering and AI
- Experience developing successful research proposals
- Excellent analytical, problem solving, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work in teams with a variety of technical and organizational skills
- Experience with AI-assisted software engineering tools and processes
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
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