Engineer Your Future

Make an impact on national security as you pursue your passion alongside world-recognized leaders in artificial intelligence, cyber, and software engineering as well as software acquisition.

US Navy personnel operating equipment abord a maritime patrol aircraft.

Turn Research into Reality

At the SEI, you’ll become part of a community that works with the highest levels of government and industry to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure, improve mission-critical systems, and advance software. You’ll have the opportunity to work with both industry and academia in an environment where unique research projects thrive. Additionally, you can apply for funding to pursue research opportunities that pique your interest and support our mission.

Why Join the SEI?

Passionate and committed individuals, our staff members are dedicated to pursuing their own paths while collectively advancing our strategic mission for the Department of War (DoW).

Become Part of a Bigger Mission

At the SEI, you will contribute to research on topics from assuring safety-critical systems to analyzing human-machine interaction to catching cyber criminals. In today’s increasingly connected world, your work here will benefit not only the DoW but also people and companies worldwide as cyber threats spread and change.

F-35B Lightning II fighter jet prepares for take off from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.

Expand Your Horizon

Grow your career by working to solve difficult problems alongside some of the most talented people in the field of software. As a part of Carnegie Mellon University’s world-class research facilities and academics, you’ll also have the chance to grow professionally and participate in campus projects.

Instructor explains code on a digital display.

Be Committed—and Balanced

As a member of the SEI, you’ll join a group of talented people who channel their unique and varied perspectives to create innovation that is making a better tomorrow. You’ll also become part of an environment in which we support our staff to be both passionately committed to their careers and find balance between life and work.

An SEI employee posing with their dog while seated.

Security Clearance

Many of our positions require the ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance. We can discuss the requirements and process in more detail with you.

What It Means to Work for an FFRDC

When you join the SEI, which is operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), you’ll become part of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) where your work will be driven by scientific objectivity and will be free from commercial interests or bias. One of 42 FFRDCs throughout the country, the SEI delivers objective research, guidance, and analysis to our DoW sponsor in order to shape the future of software to create a better world while advancing software as a strategic advantage for national security.

Voices of the SEI

With different experiences and backgrounds, our community is the catalyst that inspires us to build a better world through advances in software.

Headshot of Roxanne White (2x JPEG)

Join Us, Join Carnegie Mellon University

When you join the SEI, you become a part of CMU. Working at the SEI means that you are a team member of not just our research center, but also a world-renowned educational institute where research has a global impact. CMU has led research that created cutting-edge advances in computer science, robotics, and much more—as a part of this community, you are in the company of these great minds and groundbreaking work. CMU is also home to several faculty members who are Nobel Laureates and Turing Award recipients.

SEI staff collaborating with CMU students in the robotics lab.

Collaboration with the CMU Community

Working closely with CMU to foster innovation and creativity, we often collaborate directly with CMU faculty on research. Many of our staff members also serve as adjunct faculty members in various CMU departments.

The Andy Warhol bridge stretching across the Allegheny River towards the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline.

Beyond the SEI

All SEI employees have access to CMU’s amenities, including the libraries and gymnasiums, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit, credit union membership, and much more.

Your Benefits: Our Investment in You

As an SEI employee, you’ll enjoy multiple benefits that support you in advancing your skills, protecting your health, and finding balance between your career and your life.

Health Benefits

Explore CMU’s health and welfare benefits that include a selection of medical plans, drug prescription plans, flexible spending accounts, vision and dental plans, and life insurance.

Retirement Savings

Plan for your retirement with our generous 403b contribution of 8% that you receive even if you don’t make individual contributions and after a minimal vesting period.

PTO and Holidays

Enjoy our generous PTO package, which includes 14 official holidays per year and 3 floating holidays that you can use whenever you like.

Education

Advance your education with 100% tuition remission on up to two CMU courses per term or 50% tuition assistance for career-related courses at other institutions.

Dependent Tuition

After three years of employment, send your dependents to college with full tuition remission at CMU or tuition support at other institutions.

Lifestyle Support

Access such CMU support programs and services as university-run childcare, free public transportation, and university facilities.

Professional Development

Expand your skills and knowledge with SEI-funded professional development opportunities, which are available each year for employees.

Parental and Maternity Leave

If you grow your family, enjoy CMU’s parental and maternity leave program, which allows eligible employees six consecutive weeks of paid leave.

PhD Program

Our Doctoral Scholars Program combined with the tuition benefit helps our people earn their PhDs. After two years at the SEI, you can apply for support to work on a PhD that aligns with the SEI's mission. If selected, you get up to 30% of your work time to do degree-focused work.

Open Positions: Find Your Place at the SEI

What's Next: After You've Applied

1. Application

After you’ve sent us an application that previews your accomplishments, skills, interests, and experiences, we’ll review your qualifications to see if we’re a match.

2. Initial Screening

One of our recruiters will reach out to learn more about you. They will share information with you about the role, the SEI, and our process.

3. Tech Screening

For technical roles, a member of the hiring team will reach out via Zoom or phone to discuss your technical background.

4. Formal Interview

Depending on the role, you will meet the hiring team, either in person or virtually, for one or more formal interviews.

5. Offer

If you’re selected, we’ll send you a written offer and conduct a background check. The written offer is contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Carnegie Mellon University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility

Carnegie Mellon University makes every effort to provide physical and programmatic access to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the employment process, please contact Disability Resources by emailing access@andrew.cmu.edu or calling 412-268-3930.