Assistant AI Software Engineer

What We Do:

The CERT division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, engages in state-of-the-art research and development and provides robust solutions focused on ensuring that software engineers, cybersecurity experts, network and system administrators, and others are able to resist, recognize, and recover from attacks on software systems.

Our Data Integration Team (DIT) team in the Threat Analysis Directorate (TAD) helps programs apply best practices and adopt emerging tools and techniques to advance solutions in malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis and coordination. The goal of the DIT team is to provide software development support for the TAD to build, manage, and sustain a homogeneous applications environment using a range of skills throughout the software development lifecycle. We apply a holistic cybersecurity and engineering approach to software intensive systems in the TAD domain. Keeping pace with cyber systems operations requires creativity, efficiency, and staying up to date with modern computing platforms. In some cases, the computing has outpaced the methods, and it is incumbent upon us to generate novel approaches to specific sponsor needs.

Position Summary:

You’ll be responsible for conceiving, documenting, developing, testing, and deploying software applications and systems to improve the capabilities of analysts to effectively deliver solutions to the CERT customers. You will participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle and will be involved in key decisions regarding software design and technology selection, architecture, and design of resilient and secure systems. You will work on existing projects with more senior developers and with research analysts until you have a grasp of the work and gain the expertise to take command of new or current projects.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work with our AI team using generative AI and large language models, data visualization, security analysis of AI systems, and adversarial machine learning. We have access to a wide variety of cyber-related data, including malware samples, NetFlow data, cyber security training runs and tests, and more.

Requirements:

• BS in computer science or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to complete modest travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission.
• You will be subject to a background investigation, and you must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong software development skills in Python
• Working knowledge of software design and engineering knowledge and expertise in the software development life cycle
• Familiarity with the Linux operating system and UNIX operating system internals in general
• A clear understanding and passion for delivering value of quality using modern software engineering practices and methodologies
• Strong grasp of the fundamentals of computer science, such as programming, data structures, and algorithms
• Familiarity with DevOps and CI/CD concepts and, preferably, experience employing them in project work
• An understanding of the efficient use of modern machine learning platforms like PyTorch or TensorFlow to develop machine learning solutions
• Strong communication skills

Desired Experience:

• Experience applying software engineering techniques in solution development
• Experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning solution development
• Experience with the Python framework and Django is a plus
• Experience with AWS is a plus
• Working knowledge of an applied machine learning area like computer vision, autonomy, natural language processing, or audio analysis
• Experience with C++ is a plus
• Experience in cybersecurity is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and grow into new areas of work

Why work here? 

• Join a world-class organization of National Security superheroes that have unrivaled impact on software, system, AI, and systemic vulnerabilities. 
• Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation. 
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself. 
• Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children. 
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave. 
• Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System. 
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; take courses at CMU; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies. 
• Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more. 

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: