Carnegie Mellon University invites nominations and applications for the role of Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI)—a globally recognized federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) advancing the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems critical to national security.
The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). SEI’s mission is to advance the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems of national importance. For more than three decades, SEI has served as a trusted, independent partner to the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and other federal sponsors, providing applied research, engineering, and technology transition capabilities across software engineering, cybersecurity, AI-enabled systems, and emerging technologies.
Operating at the intersection of government, academia, and industry, SEI plays a unique role as a solutions-oriented bridge—translating research into practice, enabling sponsors to adopt modern software and AI capabilities, and helping the DoW engage effectively with both traditional and non-traditional technology providers. As national security priorities, acquisition models, and innovation cycles evolve, SEI must continue to adapt its posture, pace, and external engagement while preserving its FFRDC mandate.
SEI employs approximately 553 staff, reflecting the scale and complexity of the Institute’s applied research and engineering mission and the corresponding leadership responsibility of the Director & CEO. The Institute is organized into three primary technical divisions whose work spans research, engineering, and technology transition:
- The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division, which advances reliable, responsible, safe, and transparent AI-enabled systems;
- The CERT Division, a national leader in cybersecurity that partners with government, industry, law enforcement, and academia to strengthen the security and resilience of computer systems and networks; and
- The Software Solutions Division, which focuses on improving lifecycle engineering technologies and assuring complex, software-reliant systems from acquisition through sustainment. While each division has a distinct focus, work frequently spans divisions and teams to address sponsor needs in an integrated manner.
Please see SEI’s website for more information: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead SEI at a pivotal moment, advancing its mission as a trusted FFRDC while positioning the Institute to remain highly relevant in a rapidly changing national security, software, and AI landscape. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, this leader will provide strategic, operational, and external leadership to ensure SEI’s continued impact, credibility, and influence with government sponsors, industry partners, and the Carnegie Mellon University community.
The next CEO must be externally oriented, serving as SEI’s principal ambassador to senior DoW stakeholders, strengthening visibility and presence in the Pentagon, and clearly articulating SEI’s value proposition as the place to turn for applied solutions in software, AI, autonomy, and cyber resilience. At the same time, the CEO will work closely with a strong internal leadership team to align the organization, build accountability, and drive change where needed.
The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with frequent engagement in Washington, DC, and other sponsor locations.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Carnegie Mellon’s Vice President for Research, Theresa Mayer.
Direct reports:
- Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Technology Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Director, Software Solutions Division
- Director, CERT Division
- Director, AI Division
- Executive Assistant
Other key relationships:
- Carnegie Mellon senior leadership team, including deans and research leaders across CMU colleges and centers
- U.S. DoW and other federal sponsors
- Academic, industry, and research partners
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Working in close partnership with Carnegie Mellon University leadership and SEI’s executive leadership team, the Director & CEO will:
Strategic Vision & Institutional Leadership
- Shape and execute a multi-year vision that positions SEI as the DoW’s go-to partner for defining and advancing the methods and processes that enable it to deliver software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI engineering capabilities effectively and at speed.
- Balance continuity of SEI’s FFRDC mission with the need to adapt pace, posture, and engagement models as national security and technology priorities evolve.
- Partner with Carnegie Mellon leadership to strengthen alignment across the university while preserving SEI’s independence, neutrality, and sponsor trust.
Research Excellence & Technical Stewardship
- Uphold and advance SEI’s reputation for technical rigor, independence, and objective analysis while ensuring research translates into mission-relevant outcomes.
- Provide executive oversight across applied research, engineering, and transition activities, ensuring SEI remains at the forefront of providing cutting-edge techniques for the development and sustainment of software-intensive and AI-enabled systems.
- Foster collaboration across Carnegie Mellon that lowers barriers between fundamental and applied research in the service of national security missions.
Government & Sponsor Engagement
- Serve as SEI’s primary external ambassador to the DoW and other federal sponsors, with sustained, visible presence at senior levels.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships amid frequent sponsor turnover, clearly articulating what SEI does, why it matters, and when to engage it.
- Ensure SEI operates fully within FFRDC requirements while helping sponsors navigate ecosystem complexity and accelerate outcomes.
Operational & Financial Leadership
- Lead SEI as a complex, highly regulated enterprise, with responsibility for financial stewardship, governance, and compliance.
- Drive organizational alignment, accountability, and agility, working in close partnership with the COO and senior leadership team.
- Ensure operating structures, incentives, and processes support speed, collaboration, and sponsor responsiveness.
People, Culture & Talent Development
- Champion a mission-oriented culture grounded in integrity, accountability, service, and collaboration.
- Attract, retain, and develop top technical and research talent amid intense competition from industry.
- Lead change management with clarity and credibility, strengthening morale and trust during periods of transition.
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
- Represent SEI and Carnegie Mellon as national leaders in software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI.
- Strengthen SEI’s external brand so government and industry leaders clearly understand its unique role as a bridge between research and application.
- Engage selectively with industry to enable innovation while protecting SEI’s neutrality and FFRDC mandate.
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Acting Strategically & Leading Change
- Sets and communicates a clear vision and strategy for SEI’s future.
- Anticipates emerging national and technological priorities and positions SEI to respond with relevance and speed.
- Balances continuity of mission with innovation and adaptation.
Collaborating and Influencing
- Builds trust-based relationships across government, academia, and industry; navigates complex sponsor and governance environments with diplomacy.
- Effectively aligns diverse stakeholders around shared objectives.
- Navigates complex governance and sponsor environments with diplomacy and clarity.
Leading People
- Inspires and aligns highly accomplished technical leaders; builds leadership depth and succession capability.
- Fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance culture.
- Builds strong leadership depth and succession capability across the Institute.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
- Enhance SEI’s reputation as the go-to partner for the DoW on software engineering, AI, autonomy, and cyber security and resilience, where sponsors turn for help on their most complex and time-sensitive challenges, and additionally continue to build SEI’s relationships with other federal agencies.
- Deepen and expand SEI’s meaningful industry partnerships whereby companies invest real dollars, accelerating mission impact while reinforcing SEI’s neutrality, independence, and FFRDC mandate.
- Leverage Carnegie Mellon University’s academic strength to create a clear, differentiated value proposition that links fundamental research to applied mission outcomes for national security.
- Build a more proactive, externally facing SEI brand, ensuring senior DoW leaders and non-traditional suppliers clearly understand SEI’s role, capabilities, and unique position in the ecosystem.
- Align organizational structure, incentives, and leadership cadence to increase speed, accountability, and cross-division collaboration across the Institute
IDEAL EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND:
- Research & National Security Leadership: Significant senior leadership experience (15+ years) within a research-intensive organization, national laboratory, FFRDC, academic institute, or complex technology enterprise. Demonstrated experience partnering with U.S. federal sponsors—particularly the DoW—with trusted, visible, and effective engagement across services and agencies.
- Mission-Driven Organizational & Operational Leadership: Proven ability to lead, build, and develop a high-performing team within a complex, mission-driven organization operating in a highly regulated environment. Demonstrated success leading change, advancing organizational excellence, and driving mission-level outcomes both internally and externally. Familiarity with governance, compliance, and financial stewardship within federally sponsored research or higher education environments.
- Strategic, Credible, and Trusted Leader: Recognized credibility with senior government, military, academic, and policy stakeholders, including the Pentagon and broader national security ecosystem. Demonstrated commitment to independence, integrity, and objective analysis. Ability to navigate complexity, ambiguity, and change while setting clear strategic direction and leading through periods of disruption or transformation.
- Technology-Fluent and Industry-Savvy Leader: Deep understanding of software and systems engineering sufficient to build, attract, and lead a top-tier leadership team that can effectively engage warfighters, technologists, and academics. Experience navigating commercial innovation cycles, timelines, and competitive pressures relevant to today’s DoW, with the ability to ideate with government and industry partners at both the research and mission levels.
- University & Ecosystem Bridge-Builder: Ability to earn credibility within a leading academic institution and translate academic excellence into applied, mission-driven impact. Proven capability serving as a connective leader across university, government, industry, and/or national security stakeholders.
- Education & Credentials: Earned a doctorate in software engineering, computer science, systems engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related field is preferred. A master’s degree and the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoW security clearance are required.
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
Requirements:
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
- Ability to obtain and maintain an active DoW security clearance
SEARCH PROCESS AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University to support this search.
While this position is posted in Workday for visibility, all applications, nominations, and inquiries should be submitted directly to Spencer Stuart.
For full consideration, all inquiries, nominations, and applications (CVs and letters of interest) should be sent electronically and in confidence by April 20, 2026, to: CMUCEOSEI@SpencerStuart.com
All submissions will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
University Administration and Management
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
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