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Principal AI Software Engineer

El Segundo, California, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

The Northrop Grumman Research & Advanced Design / Mission Experience organization is seeking a highly motivated Principal AI Software Engineer to join our team onsite in El Segundo or Rancho Bernardo, CA

We invite you to apply for this requisition so you can learn about the exciting research we do and tell us about how you can help our team!

Accomplish

We are looking at ways to include Large Language Models (LLMs), advanced AI-based natural language processing (NLP), natural language understanding (NLU), Natural Language Generation (NLG), AI-based decision-making, sensor fusion, data fusion, computer vision, and image processing into our software development workflows.  We are on the cutting edge of responsible AI and explainable AI adoption.

You must demonstrate a broad skill set balanced between interpersonal and technical capabilities developing sustainable quality products. You must have a track record as an effective communicator and problem solver who can develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Functions:

You will work closely with other AI/ML and software engineers to accomplish the following:

  • Design, develop, document, test, debug, and deploy state-of-the-art AI/ML applications.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional team to deploy AI/ML solutions in development and production environments.

  • Design and develop requirements for software development and software testing environments.

 

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related STEM degree with 5 years' experience OR Master's degree in Computer Science or related STEM degree with 3 years' experience

  • Experience with one of more AI models and algorithms: LLMs, DNN, genetic algorithms, embedding models, deep learning, etc.

  • Experience with using and deploying AI LLM tools such as: vLLM, opencode, aider, Azure OpenAI, etc.

  • Experience with working in large code bases containing multiple languages (e.g. monorepos)

  • Experience with developing requirements and working with software in an integration/requirement verification/testing environment.

  • Ability to carry out rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept demonstrations.

  • Understanding of software engineering best practices including source control and software architecture

  • Must have an active US Government clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with AI models and their limitations.

  • Familiarity with DevOps/DevSecOps/MLOps concepts.

  • Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.

  • Experience in working with LLMs (e.g. prompt engineering, LLM development frameworks, fine tuning, quantization)

  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Top Secret clearance 

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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