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Carnegie Mellon University

Edge AI Research Scientist

Carnegie Mellon University
🇺🇸In-Person - Pittsburgh, PA1h ago
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Role Snapshot

This role involves developing, maturing, and prototyping AI and edge software technologies for tactical and operational environments, with a focus on production-readiness and transition to government and industry partners. The position bridges research innovation with real-world deployment across edge AI, edge intelligence, and software engineering for AI-enabled systems.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and prototype edge AI and software systems for degraded/disconnected environments, represent technical work to customers and stakeholders, advance the TAS research agenda, and contribute to the AI-native Software Engineering Lab's work on AI-assisted tools and processes. Balance short-term customer needs with long-term research goals while collaborating on edge-to-cloud continuum and autonomous systems.
Skills & Tools: Strong empirical research skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, expertise in edge software systems development and deployment, proficiency in AI and machine learning applications, and demonstrated ability to publish in top-tier venues. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with experience leading research proposal development and cross-functional team collaboration.
Qualifications: PhD in computer science, software engineering, machine learning, or related discipline with either 2+ years of professional experience engineering edge software systems in research environments or 8+ years leading development and transition of innovative software engineering techniques into operational practice. Must demonstrate publication record in relevant top-tier venues and ability to obtain Department of Defense security clearance.
Location: In-Person - Pittsburgh, PA
Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation for this role is $120,000 – $160,000/year based on title, seniority, and location.

Job Description

Edge AI Research Scientist (MTS-C)

What We Do: At the SEI’s Enabling Edge Intelligence (E2I) team, we bridge the gap between breakthrough edge AI research and operational, real-world deployment. Our multi-disciplinary team of software engineers, researchers, and data scientists designs and optimizes intelligent edge systems for resource-constrained environments where reliability, safety, and performance are primary drivers.

We focus on three core areas: Evolving Systems for Next-Gen AI: Pioneering methods to integrate emerging paradigms like small language models (SLMs), agentic AI, and hardware-aware runtime optimization. Seamless Cloud-to-Tactical

Integration: Driving effective deployment of intelligent capabilities across the full compute continuum—from enterprise cloud down to the tactical edge. Mission-Critical

Infrastructure: Architecting resilient capabilities and infrastructure that keep edge operations running reliably in real-world scenarios.

Position Summary: We are seeking a visionary an Edge AI Research Scientist to develop, mature, prototype, and transition technology that redefines edge intelligence and delivers tangible impact to critical missions. In this role, you will lead high-visibility research initiatives, striking a balance between solving immediate, real-world customer challenges and pioneering long-term solutions to complex technical bottlenecks. You will serve as a lead technical voice — presenting groundbreaking work to executive stakeholders, defense and industry partners, and top-tier academic communities — while actively advancing our core research agenda in areas such as: Agentic systems for edge intelligence Software engineering to support edge missions Resource management for edge systems Adaptive systems for mission resilience As a member of the AI-Native Software Engineering (AISE) Directorate, you will also collaborate within the AISE Lab, directly shaping and mastering state-of-the-art AI-assisted tools and workflows that are actively transforming the modern software engineering lifecycle.

Requirements: Education & Experience: PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, or a related field with 2+ years of experience in edge AI system engineering—or equivalent experience (e.g., 8+ years demonstrated experience in developing and transitioning innovative technical solutions to operational practice).

Empirical Research: Proven track record of rigorous empirical research design, experimentation, and quantitative validation.

Communication: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research into compelling technical narratives. Desired Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and

Abilities: Operational

Deployment: Practical experience building and deploying edge AI software (or systems with similar hardware/network constraints) into real-world operational environments.

Academic Leadership: Proven ability to publish and present research findings at premier software engineering, edge computing, or AI conferences and journals.

Research Funding: Track record of crafting, winning, and executing research proposals or securing funding from government agencies or strategic industry partners.

Analytical & Interpersonal Leadership: Outstanding analytical capabilities paired with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.

Other Requirements: Travel: Ability to travel (~10%) to present at top-tier venues including but not limited to conferences, collaborate with sponsors, and attend strategic offsite meetings.

Onsite Presence: Willingness and capability to work onsite at the SEI main office in Pittsburgh, PA (5 days/week).

Security Clearance: You will be subject to a background investigation and must be able to obtain/maintain a Department of War security clearance. . Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more! For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page. At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations. Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today! Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Software/Applications Development/Engineering Position Type Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time

Full time Pay Basis Salary 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 Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile. If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now. Learn more about Student Employment. Please see Faculty Careers. For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. 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 412-268-5072. Prospective Employee Disclosures

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