Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Staff AI Software Engineer – TASD AI/ML Lead to guide and drive our artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives (AI/ML), at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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.
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
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.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $194,700.00 - $292,100.00The 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. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 12 years of related experience
- Master's degree and 10 years of related experience
- PhD and 8 years of related experience
- Expertise in deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and reinforcement learning
- Strong programming skills in Python, R, or other relevant languages
- Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and Keras
- Expertise with large language models, generative AI, and prompt engineering
- Experience using LLM or generative AI solutions for human-machine teaming in software development
- Proficiency in data mining, data analysis, and data visualization
- Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Experience with 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 and team leadership experience
- Active, in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at application and start
- Ability to travel less than 10% of the time
- 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 AI/ML model evaluation methods
- Experience working with sensitive data and adhering to data privacy regulations
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.








