Senior 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. We conduct and apply 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. Our team includes machine learning research scientists, machine learning engineers, and software developers who work together to solve problems in areas such as counter AI research, AI and ML algorithm defense research, and applied adversarial machine learning.

Responsibilities

• Identify and investigate emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.
• Define and refine processes, practices, and tools for working with AI.
• Design and build well-engineered prototypes of AI systems.
• Transition and provide guidance on AI capabilities to government sponsors.
• Build 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 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.
• Willingness to work onsite 5 days per week at SEI offices in Pittsburgh, PA or Arlington, VA.
• Be able to obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
• Willing 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; previous experience in adversarial machine learning desirable but not required.
• 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 computer vision, natural language processing, planning and scheduling, robot control, and engineering safe, trusted, and reliable machine learning systems.
• Experience with rapid prototyping and evaluating technologies in relevant environments.
• Experience with testing and analyzing capabilities using novel techniques.
• Experience with collaborating on teams of developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads.
• Experience with mentoring and teaching others, participating in design 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.
• A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.