AI Security Research Intern – Summer 2027

What We Do: The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time. Position Summary You will work as a part of the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT and will collaborate with a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art and practice for analyzing, assuring, and countering software systems to enhance National Security. You will investigate and evaluate AI systems to contribute to our core functions: AI Assurance, Red Teaming of AI Systems, and AI Digital Forensics, Response, and Mitigation. You will take part in project reviews to gather feedback on research and analysis approaches. This will include revisions, thorough documentation, and presenting work products. You will help to develop solutions to solve operational and mission-based challenges. Requirements: Enrolled in a degree granting program. You will be subject to a background check and must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship. Able to work an internship during the summer Able to work onsite to the SEI Pittsburgh office Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Have excellent written and verbal communication Ability to critically think and problem solve Solid understanding of AI/ML including Generative AI Basic proficiency with a programming language (preferably Python) Familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow) Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams Desired Experience: Experience with programming languages (preferably Python) Experience with training AI/ML models Experience with adversarial machine learning techniques Experience with red-teaming cyber and/or AI systems Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts Experience with clearly documenting and communicating findings The skills listed above are a nice-to-have bonus, but not strictly necessary for this role. Job Function Breakdown: AI Security Research and Development: 80% Documentation of Results: 20% TOTAL = 100% This position will be onsite at the Pittsburgh office 5 days a week. Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Non-CMU Students Position Type Intern (Fixed Term) Full time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Hourly More Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. Click here to view a listing of employee benefits Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. Statement of Assurance Always focused on the future, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Our people apply special knowledge and skills and are part of an elite research university. We perform research and apply our expertise every day to foresee problems and exploit opportunities in software engineering, AI engineering, and cybersecurity. Quality software that is secure will control the future. At CMU SEI, we are engineering that ever-greater software-fueled future. Need Help? For technical assistance, email hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu or call 412-268-5072. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu or by phone at 412-268-3930.