Senior AI Red Team Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University

AI red team engineer attacking AI-enabled systems for Carnegie Mellon’s national-security research institute. Developing offensive cyber tools and TTPs for government and defense mission partners.

Posted 8/20/2026full-timePittsburgh • Pennsylvania, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in red teaming and penetration testing of AI-enabled systems, with strong programming skills in Python, C, and BASH. Proficient in using reverse engineering tools and command and control frameworks, while effectively communicating technical findings to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Red Team OperationsPenetration TestingPython ProgrammingCobalt StrikeReverse Engineering

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

PythonCBASHPowerShellReverse EngineeringTCP/IPWiresharkLinux SecurityWindows SecurityVulnerability Assessment

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationMentoringCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Cobalt StrikeSliverNSA GhidraIDA Pro

Industry Keywords

Red TeamingAI-Enabled SystemsNational SecurityTactics Techniques ProceduresCommand and Control Framework

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Red team real-world AI-enabled systems, including models and the hardware, software, and networks they run on, in support of national security objectives
Develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for attacking AI-enabled systems and related software
Write tools in Python, PowerShell, C, and BASH to enable red team operations
Plan and rehearse red team TTPs
Travel to field sites
Present relevant findings
Represent the CERT technical portfolio of work and operations
Communicate with external mission partners and internal collaborators across CERT directorates and teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

BS in computer science, software engineering, networking, information systems, or a related technical field with ten (10) years of experience; MS with eight (8) years; PhD with five (5) years; or equivalent combination of training and experience
Previous penetration testing, red teaming, or exploit development experience
Hands-on experience with at least one command and control framework, such as Cobalt Strike or Sliver
Experience programming/scripting in Python, C, and BASH without AI assistance; willingness to learn PowerShell
Experience with reverse engineering tools such as NSA Ghidra or IDA Pro
Ability to read code and quickly spot basic vulnerabilities without AI assistance or fuzzing
Familiarity with TCP/IP and all layers of the OSI model
Experience using Wireshark and ability to explain common network protocols
Experience assessing the security of Linux and Windows systems
At least two relevant certifications from the listed certifications, or equivalent experience demonstrated during technical interviews
Willingness to travel 25% outside the office location
Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly technical communications with non-experts
Willingness to mentor, cross-train, and share knowledge
Subject to a background investigation
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Employee benefits are provided; the posting directs applicants to Carnegie Mellon’s employee benefits listing
Opportunities for graduate-level technical courses at CMU and/or technical certifications
Perpetual learning and professional development
Mentoring and cross-training opportunities
Travel to conferences and offsite meetings