Job Information
Carnegie Mellon University Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Mission Innovation Lab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Senior Machine Learning Engineer (Full‑Stack / Applied‑Research) – Mission Innovation Lab
At the SEI AI Division, we conduct research in applied artificial intelligence and the engineering questions 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 robust, secure, scalable, and human-centered mission capabilities
prepare our customers to be ready for the unique challenges of adopting, deploying, using, andmaintainingAI capabilities
identifyand investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies that are rapidly transforming the technology landscape
Are you creative, curious, energetic, collaborative, technology-focused, and hard-working? Are you interested in making a difference by bringing innovation to government organizations and beyond? Apply to join our team.
Overview
As a Machine Learning Engineer who can take research ideas from concept to prototype, you will lead independent applied‑research projects for defense‑focused missions.
The ideal candidate is comfortable across the full stack (data pipelines, model development, API services, and secure deployment) and eager to explore novel AI and ML theory while delivering mission‑scale capabilities.
The Mission Innovation Lab within the SEI’s AI Division works with the defense and national security community to translate the “recently possible” in AI into reliable mission and warfighting capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Design, implement, and evaluate state‑of‑the‑art ML models (computer‑vision, NLP, planning, etc.) using frameworks such as TensorFlow,PyTorch, Torch, or Caffe.
Build andmaintainrobust data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend services in Python, C/C++, and Java.
Lead rapid‑prototyping efforts, translate research results into operational prototypes, and test for performance, robustness, and security.
Define and refineDevSecOpspractices for ML (model registries, containerized deployment, continuous integration/continuous delivery, security scanning).
Mentor junior team members, collaborate with researchers, government customers, and other engineers, and contribute to technical strategy for the lab.
Required Qualifications
B.S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, or related field with≥10 years ofexperience ;OR M.S. with ≥8 years ;OR Ph.D. with ≥5 years of relevant experience.
Ability to obtain andmaintainan active Department ofWarsecurity clearance.
You must be able and willing to work onsite 5 days per week at an SEI office in either Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA.
Strong experience inone or more programming language such asPython, C/C++, and Java; comfortabledevelopingproduction‑grade code and APIs.
Solid understanding ofMLtheory, statistical learning, and common algorithms.
Hands‑on experience with TensorFlow,PyTorch, Torch, Caffe, or similar deep‑learning libraries.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration (Docker/Kubernetes), model versioning, and security‑focused tooling.
Desired Experience
Proventrack recordofindependentapplied‑research projects that resulted in demonstrable prototypes or operational capabilities.
Publications or open‑source contributions inAIandML, especially in adversarial or robust ML.
Experience working on defense or other high‑impact government programs.
Ability to quickly learn emerging AIandML technologies and translate them into mission‑relevant solutions.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Deep technical knowledge of modern ML methods and ability to extend them to novel domains.
Excellent written and verbal communicationskills; capable of presenting complex ideas to technical and non‑technical audiences.
Strong collaborative mindset; experience working in interdisciplinary teams and mentoring peers.
High degree of scientific curiosity and a proactive, self‑directed work style.
Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .
Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)
Always focused on the future, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering.
Our people apply special knowledge and skills and are part of an elite research university. We perform research and apply our expertise every day to foresee problems and exploit opportunities in software engineering, AI engineering, and cybersecurity. Quality software that is secure will control the future. At CMU SEI, we are engineering that ever-greater software-fueled future.
Need Help?
For technical assistance, email hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu or call 412-268-4600.
If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by emailing employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu or calling 412-268-3930.