AI Software Engineer – Level 3

About the role

This role is located at Northrop Grumman's Dulles, VA location and is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding. It requires a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access [TS/SCI]. The position is 100% onsite and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Perform Novel Algorithm R&D
• Design and implement state-of-the-art RL/SL algorithms drawn from the latest literature
• Rapidly prototype in Python/JAX/PyTorch, then port to embedded C++/CUDA
• Develop Physics-Based Autonomy to perform Mission Planning & Decision-Making
• Apply supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and other AI/ML techniques to high-fidelity astrodynamics planning and controls problems, including real-time constraint handling
• Fuse learned policies with classical GNC filters for robust guidance, navigation, and closed-loop control
• Build models that re-optimize delta-V, power, and comm- (among other) constrained timelines using neural search or differentiable optimization
• Develop AI solutions for real-time anomaly detection and response to ensure robust and adaptive spacecraft operations
• Lead Verification & Flight Readiness
• Lead Monte-Carlo, Processor-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and digital twin campaigns to prove safety and performance via internal standards
• Participate in the full life cycle of software development, including requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit to CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance

Requirements

• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access [TS/SCI]
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Level 3: (Principal level) Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant AI engineering experience
• May consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of a completed degree
• Master’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of relevant AI engineering experience
• PhD with a minimum of 1 year of relevant AI engineering experience
• Industry knowledge and/or foundational education of AI, with a focus on ML, RL, or SL model development
• Experience with machine learning usage in a product line environment
• Experience with hands-on coding of learning algorithms from primary literature—comfortable translating equations to optimized code
• Experience with physics-based AI application (e.g. for spacecraft, robotics, autonomous aircraft, drones, rockets, or similar) in academia or industry
• Experience in developing scalable RL/SL and other ML pipelines, with a track record of designing novel algorithms tailored to complex, real-world dynamics
• Experience/proficiency in software engineering best practices and standards
• Experience in simulation development for space vehicle applications
• Experience in Embedded Software, Space Flight Software, or Simulation Software
• Experience with Python, CUDA, C/C++ programming

Qualifications

• Strong interest in space, national security, and related mission areas
• An active and integral member of your team
• Channel your enthusiasm to innovate
• Part of a supportive team that develops and deploys technologies that matter to our national security
• Work with agility, flexibility, and collaboration to explore creative ideas

Skills

• Strong interest in space, national security, and related mission areas
• An active and integral member of your team
• Channel your enthusiasm to innovate
• Part of a supportive team that develops and deploys technologies that matter to our national security
• Work with agility, flexibility, and collaboration to explore creative ideas

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results
• Discretionary bonuses in addition to base pay
• Long Term Incentives for Vice President or Director positions
• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Pay

$125,300.00 - $206,800.00

Schedule

9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off