The future of software engineering is AI-native. Our team works to shape that future through pioneering research, practical engineering methods, and close collaboration with government, industry, and academia.
At the AI-Native Software Engineering Directorate, we focus on how today's engineering teams can quickly exploit emerging technologies and harness AI capabilities to create and evolve software quickly without losing fundamental software qualities.
To address this new world, we :
- study and guide industry and government teams’ use of AI in software engineering
- distill best practices and lessons from experiments and experience to shape AI-native software engineering
- pilot and transition improvements with organizations and measure their success
- create novel agents and agentic workflows to support software engineering
- apply AI to accelerate architecture-scale modernization
- help organizations establish AI-native software engineering practices
- guide organizations in evolving their software with architecture and AI-native approaches
Our overarching goal is to create new workflows and tools that enable AI-paced delivery of software without loss of quality. We're seeking candidates with a demonstrated track record who are motivated to shape AI-native software engineering.
As an AI-Native Software Engineering Researcher, you will focus on conducting research in application of AI to industry and government scale software engineering problems, applying your research in government and industry settings, and disseminating results to engineering teams and the broader research and software engineering community. You will help shape our AI-Native Software Engineering strategy through exploration of challenges such as:
- assessing the rapidly changing capabilities of AI models and coding agents
- establishing metrics that help organizations understand their use of AI in development and guiding them through improvements
- identifying gaps in AI workflows that result in unnecessarily poor outcomes (e.g., excessive technical debt, bad architecture decisions, or frequent rework loops)
- creating novel agents or agentic workflows
- creating or adapting practices and workflows to embed software engineering discipline
- studying the cost implications of AI and developing strategies for more efficient use of AI (e.g., context management, token management, and balancing use of AI with non-AI approaches)
You will have the opportunity to work with world class software engineers, researchers, and data scientists working on national and global scale problems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of software engineering fundamentals
- Ability to keep up with and adapt to rapidly changing technical advances
- A track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods to solve difficult problems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex technical ideas in a layperson’s terms
- Demonstrated track record publishing in top tier peer-reviewed venues
- Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors
- Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects
- Willingness and ability to guide and mentor junior team members
Requirements
- A PhD with at least two (2) years of experience.
- You will be subject to a background investigation and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
- Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location. Travel sites include SEI offices in Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.
Desired Experience
- Experience leading research projects in novel areas
- Successful application of AI to improve research or software engineering progress
- Experience working with software engineering teams on large industry or government projects
- Experience working with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver an overall technical strategy
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 with at least two (2) years of experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance (subject to background investigation)
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time
- Comprehensive knowledge of software engineering fundamentals
- Track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods
- Demonstrated track record publishing in top tier peer-reviewed venues
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; convey complex ideas in lay terms
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work with colleagues and sponsors
- Proficiency in writing funding proposals or pitching ideas for new research projects
- Willingness and ability to guide and mentor junior team members
- Experience leading research projects in novel areas
- Successful application of AI to improve research or software engineering progress
- Experience working with software engineering teams on large industry or government projects
- Experience working with leadership to plan, develop, and deliver a technical strategy
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.
