Rear Adm. Seif is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary's Mason School of Business.

At sea, he has served aboard five nuclear fast-attack submarines. He served as a junior officer aboard USS Newport News (SSN 750), engineer officer and combat systems officer aboard USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), and executive officer aboard USS Houston (SSN 713).

He commanded USS Buffalo (SSN 715), homeported in Guam, from April 2010 to February 2013. During this tour, he conducted extensive operations in the Western Pacific, and the boat was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, two Battle Efficiency awards, and the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. He also commanded USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), completing a U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet deployment, and also served as commodore, Submarine Squadron One and chief of staff to Commander Submarine Force, U.S.  Pacific Fleet.

Ashore, Rear Admiral Seif has served as  the military assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities; deputy chief of staff for Operations for Submarine Group Seven/Task Force 74 in Yokosuka, Japan; the Navy's national director of Submarine and Nuclear Power Recruiting; board member and executive officer of the Fleet Forces Command Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; and flag aide to Commander Submarine Force, U.S Atlantic Fleet/Submarine Allied Command Atlantic. Prior to his assignment as Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet he served as Commander, Submarine Group Seven/Task Force 54/Task Force 74.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards). He has served with crews that have earned seven Battle Efficiency awards, two Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophies, and various unit and campaign awards.