What We Do: The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.
Position Summary
The Threat Analysis Directorate is a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art and practice for analyzing, assuring, and countering software systems to enhance National Security. The AI Security Research Intern will contribute to a variety of core functions including:
- AI Assurance
- Red Teaming of AI Systems
- AI Digital Forensics, Response, and Mitigation
Requirements:
- BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field and pursuing a MS in computer science or technical/engineering field
- Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission (including within the SEI and CMU community), unless travel interferes with DoW Cyber Service Academy (CSA) Scholar program activities at CMU.
- You will be subject to a background check and must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship
- Able to work an internship part-time during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to critically think and problem solve
- Understanding of AI/ML including Generative AI
- Basic proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python)
- Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, ART)
- Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers
- Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams
- Knowledge of computer networking across multiple physical media
- Systems development skills to aid with the creation of new physical tools
Desired Experience:
- Experience with programming languages (preferably Python)
- Experience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systems
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Experience with clearly documenting and communicating findings
Job Function Breakdown:
- AI Security Research and Development: 80%
- Documentation of Results: 20%
TOTAL = 100%
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
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
Non-Exempt Graduate StudentsPosition Type
Student Worker – CMU student (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Part timePay Basis
HourlyMore 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
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field
- Currently pursuing a master's degree in computer science or a technical or engineering field
- Eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
- Able to work part-time during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
- Able to work onsite at the SEI Pittsburgh office
- Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI mission
- Understanding of AI/ML, including generative AI
- Basic proficiency with a programming language, preferably Python
- Familiarity with AI/ML tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or ART
- Knowledge of computer networking across multiple physical media
- Systems development skills for creating new physical tools
- Ability to critically think and solve problems
- Ability to collaborate with professional engineers and researchers
- Experience red-teaming cyber or AI systems
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Experience documenting and communicating findings clearly
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.
