Staff AI Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Staff Software Engineer for its Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design in El Segundo, CA. The role centers on designing, developing, and deploying state-of-the-art AI/ML applications and systems with a focus on responsible AI and robust software engineering practices.

The candidate will lead rapid prototyping, collaborate across teams, and work in a challenging environment requiring a US Government Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or STEM with 12+ years’ experience; or Master’s with 10+ years; or PhD with 8+ years.
• Experience with AI models and algorithms: LLMs, DNN, genetic algorithms, embeddings, deep learning.
• Experience with deploying AI LLM tools and infrastructure (e.g., vLLM, Azure OpenAI, LM Studio).
• Experience in large code bases with multiple languages (monorepos).
• Ability to develop requirements and work in integration/testing environments.
• Proven rapid prototyping and PoC demonstrations.
• Understanding of software engineering best practices including source control.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Linux

AI/ML

LLMs

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or STEM

Master’s Degree in Computer Science or STEM

PhD in Computer Science or STEM

Tools

Devin/Windsurf/Continue/aider/OpenCode tools

vLLM / Azure OpenAI / LM Studio

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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.

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.

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

• 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 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).

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well‑being of 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.

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00

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.