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.
AI Security Software Engineers at the SEI use software and machine learning engineering practices, data processing, and data analytics to help our researchers solve the toughest AI security challenges across AI Assurance, Red Teaming of AI Systems, and AI Digital Forensics, Response, and Mitigation.
Position Summary
You will work as a part of the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT and will collaborate with 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.
You will help develop machine learning based prototypes and tools to solve and automate solutions to AI Security problems. You will assist in spearheading new technologies that will influence national AI and cyber security strategy, by collaborating with elite AI and cyber security professionals.
You will take part in project reviews to gather feedback on prototype tool approaches and solutions. This will include revisions, thorough documentation, and presenting work products.
Requirements:
- Enrolled in a degree granting program.
- 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 during the summer
- Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Have excellent written and verbal communication
- Proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python)
- Experience with developing AI/ML solutions using common software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow)
- Basic familiarity with applied machine learning domains (e.g., natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, audio analysis)
- Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers
- Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams
Desired Experience:
- Basic understanding of software engineering best practices
- Experience with adversarial machine learning techniques
- Experience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systems
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Experience with clearly documenting and communicating findings
The skills listed above are a nice-to-have bonus, but not strictly necessary for this role.
Job Function Breakdown:
- AI Security Prototype and Tool Development: 80%
- Documentation of Results: 20%
TOTAL = 100%
This position will be onsite at the Pittsburgh office 5 days a week.
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-CMU StudentsPosition Type
Intern (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full 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
- Currently enrolled in a degree-granting program
- Eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship
- Able to work during the summer internship period
- Able to work onsite five days per week at the SEI Pittsburgh office
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with a programming language, preferably Python
- Experience developing AI or machine learning solutions using common software packages and tools such as PyTorch or TensorFlow
- Basic familiarity with applied machine learning domains such as natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, or audio analysis
- Ability to collaborate with professional engineers and researchers
- Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams
- Basic understanding of software engineering best practices
- Experience with adversarial machine learning techniques
- Experience red-teaming cyber or AI systems
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Experience clearly documenting and communicating findings
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.
