Principal AI Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman•San Diego, CA

2d•$114,000 - $171,000•Onsite

About The Position

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! 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.

Requirements

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).

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.