Associate Machine Learning Engineer – Secure AI Lab

Carnegie Mellon University

. As an Associate Machine Learning Engineer, you will specialize in engineering solutions that support research into the vulnerabilities of AI and ML algorithms and securing against those vulnerabilities.

Posted 4/22/2026full-timePittsburgh • Pennsylvania, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CaffeJavaPythonPyTorchTensorflow

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

As an Associate Machine Learning Engineer, you will specialize in engineering solutions that support research into the vulnerabilities of AI and ML algorithms and securing against those vulnerabilities.
You will work with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Torch, and Caffe and modern programming languages including Python, C/C++, and Java.
Your day-to-day engineering tasks will include: Identifying and investigating emerging AI and AI-adjacent technologies.
Designing and building well-engineered prototypes of AI systems.
Transitioning and providing guidance on AI capabilities to government sponsors.
Experimenting 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.
You'll evaluate systems for performance and security and conduct rapid prototyping to demonstrate and evaluate technologies in relevant environments.
You'll actively participate on teams of developers, researchers, designers, and technical leads and collaborate with researchers and our government customers to understand challenges, needs, and possible solutions.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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.
Willing to travel up to 25% of the time to locations outside of your home location.
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
Ample 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.

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
tuition benefits
ample paid time off and observed holidays
life and accidental death and disability insurance
free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
fitness center access

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

machine learningPythonC/C++JavaTensorFlowPyTorchTorchCaffecomputer visionnatural language processing

Soft Skills

strong written communicationstrong verbal communicationcollaboration skillsmentoringproblem-solvingguidanceleadershiptechnical project managementadaptabilityresearch communication

Certifications

bachelor's degreemaster's degreePhD