What We Do:
The Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a premier national research center dedicated to advancing software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. We work at the intersection of defense, government, industry, and academia to solve some of the nation's most complex software challenges. Our mission: enable organizations to build, deploy, and scale resilient, secure, defect-free software systems that perform reliably in critical operational environments.
Position Summary:
At the SEI’s Enabling Edge Intelligence (E2I) team, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI and edge systems research and real-world deployment. Our team of software engineers, researchers, and data scientists designs and optimizes intelligent edge systems for operation in resource-constrained edge environments where safety, reliability, and performance are essential.
We are seeking a driven Associate Software Engineer eager to shape the future of intelligent edge systems. In this role, you will collaborate with world-class faculty, leading researchers, and industry to prototype, mature, and transition technologies to government and defense organizations. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of intelligent edge systems, mastering next-generation software engineering workflows, and solving high-impact technical problems, E2I is the place for you to accelerate your career.
Requirements:
- Education: BS or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience: At least 3 years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and deploying software systems.
- Travel: Willingness to travel (less than 10%) to engage with the CMU community, present at conferences, and work alongside sponsor organizations.
- Security Clearance: You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance (requires background investigation).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Core Software Engineering: Solid foundation in software engineering principles across the full software development life cycle (SDLC).
- Programming Proficiency: Strong coding skills in at least one core language, such as Python, C++, C, or Java.
- Deployment & DevOps: Practical experience deploying software into local or cloud environments, with familiarity in DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
- AI-Assisted Workflows: Experience with leveraging generative AI and agentic tools to streamline coding, debugging, and deployment workflows.
- Growth Mindset: Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new languages, frameworks, and edge technologies on the fly.
- Tooling & Collaboration: Comfort using software management and orchestration platforms (e.g., Git, Atlassian Suite, Docker/K8s).
- Problem-Solving & Communication: Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to articulate technical concepts clearly within multi-disciplinary, agile teams.
Desired Experience:
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in designing, developing, and deploying edge systems or performance-critical software.
- Hands-on experience building, testing, or deploying agentic AI systems.
- Background or strong interest in software architecture and edge system optimization.
- Practical exposure to AI/ML model training, evaluation, and systems integration
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
- BS or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience designing, developing, and deploying software systems
- Strong coding skills in at least one of Python, C++, C, or Java
- Experience deploying software in local or cloud environments
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience using software management and orchestration platforms such as Git, Atlassian Suite, Docker, or Kubernetes
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance
- Willingness to travel less than 10%
- At least 3 years of experience designing, developing, and deploying edge systems or performance-critical software
- Hands-on experience building, testing, or deploying agentic AI systems
- Background or strong interest in software architecture and edge system optimization
- Practical exposure to AI/ML model training, evaluation, and systems integration
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
