Research Systems Engineer

Are you passionate about research, technology, and securing the future of science? Join our team at Carnegie Mellon University, where innovation and impact meet. We're looking for a Research Systems Engineer who excels at helping researchers solve sophisticated problems—especially those involving sensitive or regulated data.

This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and navigate sophisticated data security. You'll collaborate with world-class faculty and researchers, supporting projects involving personally identifiable information (PII), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), HIPAA-regulated data, and more. Your mission: ensure secure, scalable, and reliable infrastructure that enables groundbreaking discoveries—without compromising data integrity or privacy.

What You’ll Do:

Build & Maintain Secure Research Infrastructure:

• Design and support IT systems and environments (including servers, storage, cloud, and virtualization) for researchers working with sensitive data.

Build & Maintain a Research Systems Registry:

• Design and support a system for registering systems used for research.

Partner with Researchers:

• Act as a trusted advisor and technical partner. Help research teams meet their data needs, ensure secure computing environments, and navigate compliance requirements.

Security & Compliance Enablement:

• Guide researchers in standard methodologies for secure storage, encryption, access control, anonymization, and secure file transfer. Help develop secure research workflows.

Provide Technical Support & Training:

• From software installation to sophisticated problem-solving, you’ll support researchers through the full project lifecycle. You’ll help craft training and documentation for secure computing practices.

Cloud and Virtualization Solutions:

• Manage secure virtual environments and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Experience with FedRAMP-compliant systems, GovCloud, or GCC High.

Work across functions:

• Work with IT teams, the research office, vendors, and researchers to evaluate and implement solutions tailored to academic research needs.

What We’re Looking For:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 3+ years of IT experience—ideally in academic or research settings.

• Solid understanding of data security, compliance, and cloud environments.

• Proven technical skills across Linux, Windows, scripting, cloud infrastructure, and secure data storage.

• Familiarity with research-specific software and data management tools.

• Outstanding communication skills and a customer-centered approach.

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred but Not Required

• Experience in higher education or research environments

• Knowledge of CMMC, virtualization tech, or high-performance computing.

• Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CMMC Certified Professional.

Why This Role Matters:

At CMU, we don’t just support research—we enable discoveries that change the world. Your work will have a direct impact on projects addressing healthcare, climate change, national security, and more. If you’re passionate about helping researchers use sensitive data responsibly and securely, we’d love to meet you. Apply now to become a critical part of a team that blends academic excellence with innovative IT—and helps push the boundaries of what research can achieve!

At Carnegie Mellon University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Computing Services department. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity? Apply today!

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 insuranceas 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: