{"id":45442,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ngc-staff-ai-software-engineer","title":"Staff AI Software Engineer","company":{"id":12494,"name":"Northrop Grumman","domain":"northropgrumman.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/northropgrumman","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":87,"open_postings":526,"ghost_share":0.002,"stale_share":0.688,"repost_share":0.017,"time_to_fill_p50_days":13,"computed_at":"2026-10-16T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"AI/ML","role_family":"AI/ML","seniority":"staff","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["El Segundo, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":177000,"max":265600,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":265600},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Azure","optional":false},{"name":"Computer Vision","optional":false},{"name":"Devin","optional":false},{"name":"Explainable AI","optional":false},{"name":"LLM","optional":false},{"name":"LM Studio","optional":false},{"name":"NLP","optional":false},{"name":"OpenAI","optional":false},{"name":"Sensor Fusion","optional":false},{"name":"vLLM","optional":false},{"name":"Windsurf","optional":false},{"name":"C++","optional":true},{"name":"Fine-tuning","optional":true},{"name":"Java","optional":true},{"name":"Linux","optional":true},{"name":"Prompt Engineering","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true},{"name":"Quantization","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-08-06T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-08-11","last_verified_at":"2026-10-16T07:25:26Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":71,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":1,"flags":[],"days_open":71},"description":"RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription\nAt 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.\nOur 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.\nThe Northrop Grumman Research & Advanced Design organization is seeking a highly motivated Staff Software Engineer to join our team onsite in El Segundo, CA.\nWe 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!\nAccomplish\nWe 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.\nYou 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.\nEssential Functions:\nYou will work closely with other AI/ML and software engineers to accomplish the following:\nDesign, develop, document, test, debug, and deploy state-of-the-art AI/ML applications.\n\nCollaborate with cross-functional team to deploy AI/ML solutions in development and production environments.\n\nDesign and develop requirements for software development and software testing environments.\n\nSucceed\nThe 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.\nBasic Qualifications:\nBachelor’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.\n\nExperience with one of more AI models and algorithms: LLMs, DNN, genetic algorithms, embedding models, deep learning, etc.\n\nExperience 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.\n\nExperience with working in large code bases containing multiple languages (e.g. monorepos).\n\nExperience with developing requirements and working with software in an integration/requirement verification/testing environment.\n\nAbility to carry out rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept demonstrations.\n\nUnderstanding of software engineering best practices including source control and software architecture.\n\nMust have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).\n\nPreferred Qualifications:\nFamiliarity with AI models and their limitations.\n\nFamiliarity with DevOps/DevSecOps/MLOps concepts.\n\nProficient in Python, C++, and Java.\n\nFamiliarity with Linux-based operating systems.\n\nDemonstrated ability to work independently.\n\nExperience in working with LLMs (e.g. prompt engineering, LLM development frameworks, fine tuning, quantization).\n\nAbility to obtain and maintain US Government Top Secret clearance.\n\nA robust history of research excellence, such as peer-reviewed publications or significant contributions to open-source ML libraries.\n\nThrive with Us\nAt Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off 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.\nOur 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.\nIf you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.\nPrimary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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. 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