Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

About the SEI

The SEI is a community that collaborates with government and industry to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure, improve mission-critical systems, and advance software. You’ll work on unique research projects alongside industry and academia, contributing to innovation that shapes a better future. The SEI values integrity, collaboration, curiosity, and excellence, fostering a welcoming and high-performing workplace where employees thrive both professionally and personally.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner to serve as a strategic talent advisor, helping the SEI attract and hire exceptional engineers, researchers, and technologists. In this role, you’ll partner with leaders across technical and programmatic teams to identify intellectually curious, mission-driven individuals capable of solving complex software challenges. Your work will directly shape the future of the SEI by connecting top talent with meaningful work that advances our national mission. This role reports to the Director of Human Resources.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic recruiter and talent advisor to SEI’s leadership and technical teams, ensuring alignment between hiring needs and our mission-driven culture.
• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, from requisition intake and job posting through candidate selection, offer negotiation, and pre-boarding, with a focus on quality, integrity, and timeliness.
• Partner with hiring leaders to develop recruiting strategies, hiring plans, and realistic timelines for critical technical positions.
• Design and deploy targeted sourcing strategies using professional networks, academic partnerships, and innovative sourcing approaches.
• Deliver an exceptional candidate experience through proactive communication, professionalism, and transparency.
• Collaborate with teammates to challenge assumptions, learn from one another, and develop solutions that strengthen our work.
• Champion process improvement and innovation by testing recruiting tools, identifying automation opportunities, and optimizing workflows while preserving a high-touch, personalized candidate experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive recruiting experience, including success in technical talent acquisition for roles in software engineering, cybersecurity, AI/ML, systems engineering, data science, or related domains.
• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical roles, engage credibly with engineers and researchers, and evaluate candidate fit.
• Experience using Workday or other applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities with discipline, precision, and adaptability.
• Strong problem-solving skills for situations where solutions are not immediately obvious.
• Proven ability to thrive in cross-functional, team-based settings by listening, asking clarifying questions, and building trust through transparency and follow-through.

Additional Traits

• Mission Driven: You’re energized by purpose-driven work and see recruitment as a direct contribution to national security and public good.
• Collaborative Partner: You build trusted relationships through listening, thoughtful questions, transparency, and follow-through.
• Strategic & Curious: You approach talent strategy like an engineering problem: measure, diagnose, hypothesize, test, and iterate. You’re drawn to processes, metrics, and continuous improvement.
• Integrity & Judgment: You exercise sound judgment, protect confidential information, and earn trust through ethical decision-making.

Other Considerations

• Occasional domestic travel up to 10% for recruitment events and meetings.
• This position is fully onsite, 5 days per week, at the SEI in Pittsburgh, PA.
• You will be subject to a background investigation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits for continued education.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to assist with childcare needs.
• Fitness center access and additional wellness perks.

At Carnegie Mellon, we evaluate candidates holistically, considering role responsibilities, work experience, education, and unique skills. Offers are tailored to fit both professional growth and personal aspirations.