Staff AI Software Engineer
About The Position
Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible. Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong. The Northrop Grumman Research & Advanced Design organization is seeking a highly motivated Staff Software Engineer to join our team onsite in El Segundo, CA or Melbourne, FL. 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 a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university with 12 years of experience; OR Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a STEM related discipline from an accredited university with 10 years of experience; OR PhD Degree in Computer Science or a STEM related discipline from an accredited university with 8 years of 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: coding assistants (Devin/Windsurf, Continue/aider/opencode, etc.), infrastructure (vLLM, Azure OpenAI, LM Studio, etc.), or similar tools.
- 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 Secret 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.
- Proficient in Python, C++, and Java.
- 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.
- A robust history of research excellence, such as peer-reviewed publications or significant contributions to open-source ML libraries.
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.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- Flexible work arrangements
- Phenomenal learning opportunities
- Exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers
- Friendly team environment
- Retirement and Savings Plan
- Group medical, dental and vision coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Company paid holidays
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
