Staff AI/ML Software Engineer - Level 5

Northrop Grumman; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 195,000 - 292,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman seeks an AI/ML Lead to define strategy, build a high‑performing team, and deliver AI‑powered solutions that align with business goals. You will mentor engineers, collaborate with software and DevOps, and drive production deployments while communicating outcomes to stakeholders.

Ideal candidates bring deep AI/ML expertise, experience with frameworks like TensorFlow/PyTorch, and a track record in leading complex projects.

Qualifications

• Broad AI/ML expertise including DL, NLP, CV, and RL.
• Strong Python/R coding skills.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, Keras).
• LLM/GAI expertise and prompting for human‑machine teaming.
• Data mining, analysis, and visualization.
• Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP) and big data (Hadoop/Spark/Hive).
• DevOps familiarity.
• Excellent leadership and communication.
• Active in‑scope U.S. Government Secret clearance.
• Travel up to 10% for program meetings.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute AI/ML strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects from data to deployment.
• Mentor a team of AI/ML engineers and scientists.
• Collaborate with software and DevOps for production deployment.
• Communicate findings to senior management and stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and timelines to deliver on schedule.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Keras

LLMs/Generative AI

Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Big data (Hadoop/Spark/Hive)

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD

Master's degree in STEM

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Keras

LLMs/GAI tooling

Job description

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.

Position Overview

The Threat and Advanced Simulation Development (TASD) contract supports a wide range of Missile Defense Agency (MDA) directorates with multiple products & capabilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of AI/ML principles, a proven track record of leading successful AI/ML projects from conception to deployment, and exceptional leadership and communication skills. As the AI/ML Lead, you will be responsible for defining the AI/ML strategy, building and mentoring a team of talented AI/ML engineers and scientists, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver innovative AI‑powered solutions that drive business value.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing the overall AI/ML strategy, aligning it with the company's business goals and objectives.
• Drive the adoption and integration of AI/ML into the development pipelines
• Identify and evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies and trends and recommend their adoption where appropriate.
• Define and prioritize AI/ML projects based on potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Create and maintain a roadmap for AI/ML development, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
• Lead the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects, from problem definition and data collection to model development, deployment, and monitoring.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of AI/ML models and algorithms using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of AI/ML models through rigorous testing and validation.
• Collaborate with software engineers and DevOps teams to deploy AI/ML models into production environments.
• Monitor the performance of AI/ML models in production and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage project budgets and timelines, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Communicate AI/ML concepts and results effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Present AI/ML findings and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Work with stakeholders to define problem statements and success metrics for AI/ML initiatives.
• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in AI/ML research and development.
• Explore and evaluate new AI/ML techniques and tools.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property through patents and publications.
• Encourage and support team members in pursuing research and innovation opportunities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree and 10 years of related experience, or 8 years of experience with a PhD.
• Expertise in a wide range of AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, or other relevant languages.
• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn, and Keras.
• Expertise with Large Language Models/Generative AI and Prompt Engineering. Also, using LLM/GAI solutions for usage in human‑machine teaming for Software Development.
• Proficiency in data mining, data analysis, and data visualization.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Experience with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Hive.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Technical & Team leadership experience
• Applicants must have an active in‑scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at time of application, which is required to start.
• Ability for some limited travel (less than 10% time) to support program meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Engineering and Aerospace
• Publications in peer‑reviewed AI/ML conferences or journals.
• Experience with MLOps and deploying models at scale.
• Experience with A/B testing and other methods for evaluating the performance of AI/ML models.
• Experience working with sensitive data and adhering to data privacy regulations.

Salary and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $194,700.00 - $292,100.00

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.

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.

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