The SEI AI Division
At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges related to the practical design and implementation of AI technologies and systems. We currently lead a community-wide movement to mature the discipline of AI Engineering for Defense and National Security.
As our government customers adopt AI and machine learning to provide leap-ahead mission capabilities, we
Build real-world, mission-scale AI capabilities through solving practical engineering problems
Discover and define the processes, practices, and tools to support operationalizing AI for human-centered, robust, secure, and scalable mission capabilities
Prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, and maintaining AI capabilities
Identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape
Are you creative, curious, and collaborative? Do you enjoy doing meaningful and complex work? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team.
Position Summary: As a senior research scientist with proven expertise in advanced computing, you will identify, shape, apply, conduct, and lead research in support of critical U.S. government needs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background with hands-on experience in one or more of the following technology areas: hardware/software co-design, performance optimization with heterogeneous and alternative computing systems (CPU/GPU/NPU/etc.), FPGA design, high-performance computing (HPC), distributed and scalable computing, compiler technology, and algorithm optimization. Additional expertise in applying AI/ML to electromagnetic spectrum operations is desired.
Duties
Lead novel research in advanced computing and applied machine learning.
Lead interdisciplinary teams to turn research results into prototype operational capabilities for government customers and stakeholders.
Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments.
Test and evaluate new and novel systems for performance and usability.
Collaborate with researchers, developers, engineers, designers, technical leads, campus labs, and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and potential solutions.
Mentor and teach junior staff, lead design sessions, and establish technical norms for the division.
Explore the latest advanced hardware, including FPGAs, CGRAs, TPUs, and emergent technologies such as neuromorphic and analog processors.
Work with division leadership and colleagues to plan, develop, expand, and carry out an overall research strategy, and influence the national research agenda regarding future technology.
Develop and deliver compelling technical presentations for diverse audiences, tailor content for varied stakeholders, speak at conferences and workshops, and publish in pertinent peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD with five (5) years of experience.
Able to travel to the Arlington SEI office, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate (25%) travel outside of your home location.
You will be subject to a background check investigation and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A published track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods.
Mastery of C/C++, Python, Verilog/VHDL, and/or other pertinent languages and software tools and frameworks.
Experience leading research projects and collaborating across research teams and mentoring other researchers.
Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals to funding agencies and leading the resulting projects.
Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community.
Familiarity with emerging trends and opportunities in industry and government.
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 in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related with 10 years; OR MS with 8 years; OR PhD with 5 years
- Able to travel to Arlington SEI office, sponsor sites, conferences and offsite meetings; Moderate (25%) travel
- Subject to background check and must obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance
- Mastery of C, C++, Python, Verilog, VHDL, and/or other pertinent languages, software tools, and frameworks
- Published track record of conducting research and applying scientific methods
- Experience leading research projects, collaborating across research teams, and mentoring junior researchers
- Experience writing and delivering successful research proposals and leading resulting projects
- Experience working with Department of War and Intelligence Community
- Hands-on experience in one or more: hardware/software co-design, performance optimization for heterogeneous/alternative computing (CPU/GPU/NPU/etc.), FPGA design, HPC, distributed and scalable computing, compiler technology, or algorithm optimization
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.
