Software Engineer in AI and Security
Computer Science
Summary of Job Details
The ACTION Institute is a newly launched NSF AI Institute led by UC Santa Barbara's Computer Science Department and encompassing 11 other US universities, including Purdue University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and UC Berkeley. Directed by Professor Giovanni Vigna, ACTION is working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and computer security on tools and techniques for designing, building, and validating secure and trustworthy software systems. The ACTION Institute hosts the annual iCTF, a computer security exercise that draws participation from hundreds of Capture the Flag teams from around the world. With more than twenty faculty and at least twice as many graduate students, and a multi-campus computing infrastructure, the ACTION Institute is a complex organization. The Software Engineer is responsible for the design and implementation of a testbed infrastructure for enabling the various research activities of the institute, as well as a broad scope of services in support of the ACTION personnel. The primary duties are (1) Develops and designs a globally accessible test environment; 2) Helps maintain, develop, and customize several research projects across the institute, including developing, testing, and documenting software. The Software Engineer has a critical impact on the success of the current research of the ACTION Institute. Analyzes and addresses a diverse scope of issues and determines solutions in a time-critical manner. Under the guidance of the lab faculty, is involved in goal setting and prioritization of the technical infrastructure, and defines tasks to meet the technical goals of the research underway. Is also responsible for determining and acquiring the hardware and software needs of the institute and operating with a designated budget for this purpose. May help support the efforts of select computer security exercises.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and other cloud computing providers.
Experience with Kubernetes.
Experience with Linux server administration.
Experience with Ansible/Puppet/Chef.
Experience with Git/Jenkins and other Continuous integration systems.
Thorough experience with identification and use of code libraries and open-source forums.
Knowledge of secure software development.
Advanced skills associated with software design, modification, implementation and deployment, including object-oriented programming concepts.
An ability to understand the needs of a research group (e.g., the SecLab), and how the existing computing infrastructure can support those needs.
Demonstrated ability to develop conversion and system implementation plans, as well as creation of feedback mechanisms.
Fluency with common programming tools and languages: Python, C/C, Java, Javascript, and SQL.
Ability to develop scripts to automate tasks. Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other cloud computing providers.
Demonstrated software repository skills.
Demonstrated testing and test planning skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the organization.
Self-motivated and works independently and as part of a team.
Able to learn effectively and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated broad problem-solving skills.
Special Conditions of Employment
This is a Career position with an end date due to funding. Position is funded by an extramural research grant with an expected end date of April 2026, but with potential for continuation through April 2028 and beyond. May be required to work evenings and weekends depending on the needs of the Institute.
Satisfactory conviction history background check
Position is funded by federal contract/sub-contract and requires E-Verify check.
UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
Days/Hours: M-F; 9 am - 6 pm
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.
Application review begins 11/18/24
Apply online at https://jobs.ucsb.edu
Job #74127
