Research Assistant - College of Engineering - Department of Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

Innovation. Interdisciplinary collaboration. Complex problem solving. In Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty members, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary research centers across the university.

Carnegie Mellon University’s department of Mechanical Engineering is searching for a Research Assistant to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by using AI models, neural networks, convolutional neural networks and transformer architectures to build manufacturing models that can detect anomalies. You will also develop vision systems to detect objects, defects, and features that contribute to expeditionary manufacturing in defense.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop AI/ML models — including neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and transformer architectures — tailored to manufacturing system applications.
• Build and train anomaly detection systems capable of identifying irregularities, faults, or deviations within manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Develop computer vision systems to detect and classify objects, defects, and key features relevant to manufacturing quality control and inspection.
• Support expeditionary manufacturing initiatives for defense applications by integrating AI-driven detection and monitoring capabilities into manufacturing workflows.
• Conduct applied research on AI model performance, iterating architectures and training approaches to improve accuracy, robustness, and reliability in real-world manufacturing environments.
• Develop AI/ML models (neural networks, CNNs, transformers) for manufacturing anomaly detection.
• Collect and process manufacturing data to train and evaluate AI models.
• Document and communicate research findings to support expeditionary manufacturing initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can 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.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• 0-1 years of experience
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

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 child