Senior Staff AI Engineer - Secret Clearance (Onsite)

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 193,000 - 289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) seeks a Sr. Staff Software Engineer to join onsite in El Segundo, CA or Melbourne, FL.

Lead AI/ML software development for next-generation national security systems and collaborate across engineering and product teams. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong Python/C++/Java skills, deep AI model experience, and a proven track record in rapid prototyping with adherence to engineering best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or STEM with 14 years of experience OR Master’s with 12 years OR PhD with 10 years.
• Experience with AI models and algorithms: LLMs, DNN, genetic algorithms, embedding models, deep learning.
• Experience with AI LLM tools (coding assistants, infrastructure like vLLM, Azure OpenAI, LM Studio, etc.).
• Experience with large code bases containing multiple languages (monorepos).
• Experience with developing requirements and software in integration/verification/testing environments.
• Ability to rapid prototype and demonstrate PoCs.
• Understanding of software engineering best practices including source control and architecture.
• Active US Government Secret clearance (with recent background check or CE).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, debug, and deploy state-of-the-art AI/ML applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy AI/ML solutions in development and production environments.
• Design and develop requirements for software development and software testing environments.

Skills

AI/ML development

Python

C++

Java

Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's or higher in CS/STEM

Tools

Linux OS

DevOps tooling

LLM tooling

Job description

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) seeks a Sr. Staff Software Engineer to join onsite in El Segundo, CA or Melbourne, FL.

Lead AI/ML software development for next-generation national security systems and collaborate across engineering and product teams. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong Python/C++/Java skills, deep AI model experience, and a proven track record in rapid prototyping with adherence to engineering best practices.