Associate Machine Learning Engineer - Secure AI Lab

About the role

The Secure AI Lab within the SEI’s AI Division focuses on improving the security and robustness of AI systems. Our team conducts and applies cutting-edge research to protect AI systems from adversaries who aim to manipulate the system to learn, do, or reveal something it isn’t supposed to.

Responsibilities

• Identifying and investigating emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.
• Defining and refining processes, practices, and tools for working with AI.
• Designing and building well-engineered prototypes of AI systems.
• Transitioning and providing guidance on AI capabilities to government sponsors.
• Building Machine Learning Models and Systems: Work with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Torch, and Caffe and modern programming languages including Python, C/C++, and Java. Build and work with data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend systems. Extend and implement state-of-the-art machine learning methods.
• Technical Experimentation: Experiment with modern and emerging machine learning frameworks, methods, and algorithms in application domains that include computer vision, natural language processing, planning and scheduling, robot control, and engineering safe, trusted, and reliable machine learning systems.
• Testing and Evaluation: Conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments. Evaluate systems for performance and security. Test capabilities using novel testing and analysis techniques.
• Collaboration: Actively participate on teams of developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads. Collaborate with researchers and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and possible solutions.
• Mentoring: Contribute to improving the overall technical capabilities of the Division by mentoring and teaching others, participating in design (software and otherwise) sessions, and sharing insights and wisdom across the SEI.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, machine learning, electrical engineering, or related discipline with three (3) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with one (1) year of experience; OR PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Willingness to work onsite 5 days per week at SEI offices in Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA.
• You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location.
• Travel sites include SEI offices in Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., sponsor sites, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of machine learning.
• A track record of using well-established engineering practices to solve difficult problems.
• An understanding of how to convert research results into functioning prototypes or capabilities.
• Experience leading technical projects in novel areas with limited previous work to build upon.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex technical ideas in a layperson’s terms.
• Amplify experience with publishing written or technical artifacts showcasing your work.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with colleagues and sponsors.
• Willingness to guide and mentor junior team members.

Skills

• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Torch, and Caffe.
• Experience with modern programming languages including Python, C/C++, and Java.
• Experience with data pipelines, ETL processes, and backend systems.
• Experience with state-of-the-art machine learning methods.
• Experience with modern and emerging machine learning frameworks, methods, and algorithms.
• Experience with application domains that include computer vision, natural language processing, planning and scheduling, robot control, and engineering safe, trusted, and reliable machine learning systems.
• Experience with rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments.
• Experience with evaluating systems for performance and security.
• Experience with testing capabilities using novel testing and analysis techniques.
• Experience with collaborating on teams of developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads.
• Experience with mentoring and teaching others, participating in design (software and otherwise) sessions, and sharing insights and wisdom across the SEI.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Lifetime life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.