Associate AI Software Engineer/ AI Software Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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.

The Northrop Grumman C2 & Weapons Integration (CWI) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in Beavercreek, Ohio is seeking an AI Software Engineer. This role supports research and development in areas including Large Language Models (LLMs), 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, with a focus on responsible and explainable AI.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, and deliver mathematical and statistical models and algorithms to address prediction, optimization, and classification problems.

• Apply machine learning algorithms to large structured and unstructured datasets for use cases such as autonomy, pattern recognition, target detection and tracking, recommendation and decision support systems, signals processing, and robotic systems.

• Design, develop, document, test, debug, and deploy AI/ML applications.

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deploy AI/ML solutions in development and production environments.

• Prepare and present technical progress and results to internal and external stakeholders.

This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate AI Software Engineer (Level 1): Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field with 0 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• AI Software Engineer (Level 2): Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field with 2 years of relevant experience, or master’s degree in Computer Science or a related STEM field with 0 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Experience implementing AI/ML models or algorithms (e.g., deep learning, transformer models, or LLMs).

• Experience with at least one major AI/ML framework, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, or Scikit‑learn.

• Experience working with data for ML, including data preparation, training, and model evaluation.

• Software development experience in Python or a similar language, including use of source control.

• Experience building or integrating AI/ML functionality into applications or services

• Must have an active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance with CI Poly

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly

• Experience with AWS or other commercial cloud computing platforms.

• Experience with microservice architectures and related practices, including containerization and container orchestration technologies.

• Familiarity with explainable AI, adversarial AI, active learning, and third‑wave AI approaches.

• Familiarity with DevOps, DevSecOps, and/or MLOps concepts and workflows.

• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems.

• Experience working independently to plan and execute technical tasks.

• Hands-on experience with LLMs (e.g., prompt design/engineering, use of LLM development frameworks, fine‑tuning, or model quantization).

• Experience with modeling and simulation.

• Experience using vector databases and/or graph databases.

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,800.00 - $125,800.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $151,400.00

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.