AI Security Software Engineer

Job Details

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking applicants for the role of AI Security Software Engineer. Established in response to the Morris worm, CERT has been a leader in cybersecurity research, advancing the resilience of software systems and responding to sophisticated cyber threats. As AI becomes central to critical infrastructure, advancing its security and resilience offers a compelling opportunity to shape the future, impacting support of the national security mission.

Our team researches and develops tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary for the field of AI security. Our work includes experimental designs for large-scale AI security research programs, AI red teaming, and counter AI applications. Additionally, we work in 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, incident tickets, and more.

Artificial Intelligence Security Software Engineers at the SEI use software and machine learning engineering practices, data processing, and data analytics to help our researchers solve AI security challenges. In this role, you will work with our researchers and customers to develop machine learning based prototypes, products, and tools to solve and automate solutions to AI Security problems. You'll get a chance to work with elite AI and cyber security professionals and university faculty to build new technologies that will influence national AI and cyber security strategy for decades to come.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning–based prototypes, tools, and systems for AI security applications, demonstrating strong expertise in ML development and deployment
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to design and execute experimental AI security solutions, communicating effectively across technical and non-technical audiences
• Apply software engineering best practices to build scalable, maintainable systems, grounded design principles
• Process and analyze large, diverse cybersecurity datasets (e.g., malware, NetFlow, incident data), using strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Support AI red teaming and adversarial machine learning initiatives, applying an innovative and research-driven mindset
• Translate research concepts into practical, operational capabilities, with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience
• Understanding of software engineering principles and system design
• Experience with containerization and microservices architectures
• Travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion (5%).
• You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying statistical modeling and advanced data analytics techniques
• Background in developing AI/ML solutions in real-world settings
• Familiarity with applied machine learning domains (e.g., natural language processing, computer vision, autonomy, audio analysis)
• Experience and knowledge in cybersecurity best practices
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and domains