Senior 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, this role offers a compelling opportunity to shape the future of AI security and support the national security mission.

About the role

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) researches and develops tactics, techniques, and procedures for AI security. Our work includes experimental designs for large-scale AI security research programs, AI red teaming, counter AI applications, generative AI, 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, cybersecurity training runs, incident tickets, and more.

As a Senior AI Security Software Engineer, you will collaborate with researchers and customers to develop machine learning-based prototypes, products, and tools to solve and automate AI security challenges. You’ll work with elite AI and cybersecurity professionals and university faculty to build technologies that will influence national AI and cybersecurity strategy for decades.

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 in 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, working independently and as part of a collaborative team

Requirements

• BS in computer science, machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline with ten (10) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with eight (8) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with five (5) years of experience
• Understanding of software engineering principles and system design
• Experience with containerization and microservices architectures
• Occasional travel (5%) to support the SEI’s mission, including sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings
• Must pass a background check and 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

Benefits

• 8% employer retirement contribution (no employee contribution required)
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependent children
• Flexible work arrangements and strong work-life balance
• Paid parental and military leave
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and certifications
• Relocation assistance
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation
• Fitness center access

Location: Arlington, VA or Pittsburgh, PA
Position Type: Full-time, regular staff