Principal AI Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

. Design and implement state-of-the-art reinforcement learning and supervised learning algorithms .

Posted 9/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $137,800 - $258,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and implementing reinforcement learning and supervised learning algorithms, with proficiency in Python, C++, and CUDA for real-time AI solutions in spacecraft applications. Holds a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret security clearance and possesses extensive experience in AI engineering, simulation development, and software engineering best practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Reinforcement Learning Algorithm DevelopmentSupervised Learning Algorithm DevelopmentPython ProgrammingC++ ProgrammingAI Engineering Experience

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills

Reinforcement LearningSupervised LearningPhysics-Based AI ApplicationsMachine Learning PipelinesSimulation DevelopmentEmbedded Software DevelopmentSoftware Engineering Best PracticesMonte Carlo VerificationHardware-in-the-Loop TestingProcessor-in-the-Loop Testing

Tools & Technologies

PythonJAXPyTorchCUDAC/C++MATLAB/SimulinkWindowsLinux

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret Security ClearanceSensitive Compartmented Information Approval

Industry Keywords

AI EngineeringAstrodynamics PlanningGuidance Navigation ControlSpacecraft Anomaly DetectionSpace Software IntegrationMission PlanningVehicle DevelopmentVerification and ValidationNumerical ModelingSpacecraft Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPythonPyTorchTypeScriptC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and implement state-of-the-art reinforcement learning and supervised learning algorithms
Rapidly prototype algorithms in Python/JAX/PyTorch and port them to embedded C++/CUDA
Develop physics-based autonomy for mission planning and decision-making
Apply supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and other AI/ML techniques to astrodynamics planning and controls problems
Fuse learned policies with classical GNC filters for guidance, navigation, and closed-loop control
Build models that re-optimize delta-V, power, communications, and other constrained timelines
Develop AI solutions for real-time spacecraft anomaly detection and response
Lead Monte Carlo, Processor-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and digital twin verification campaigns
Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements development through maintenance
Develop systems for a variety of spacecraft using current and emerging technologies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must have and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance at the time of application
Ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)/Special Access Program (SAP) approval/access within a reasonable period of time
U.S. citizenship required
Level 3: Bachelor’s degree and minimum 5 years of relevant AI engineering experience; an additional 4+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree
Level 3: Master’s degree and minimum 3 years of relevant AI engineering experience, or PhD and minimum 1 year of relevant AI engineering experience
Level 4: Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8 years of relevant AI engineering experience; an additional 4+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of a completed degree
Level 4: Master’s degree and minimum 6 years of relevant AI engineering experience, or PhD and minimum 4 years 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
Hands-on coding of learning algorithms from primary literature
Experience with physics-based AI applications
Experience developing scalable RL/SL and other ML pipelines
Experience with 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, and C/C++ programming
Preferred: Current/Active TS/SCI
Preferred: MS or PhD in Computer Science or Reinforcement Learning, or STEM degree field with strong physics-based numerical modeling and AI/ML experience
Preferred: C/C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting
Preferred: Systems engineering, requirements analysis, modeling and simulation, verification and validation, or vehicle development and mission systems integration experience
Preferred: Space software and hardware integration experience
Preferred: System and subsystem specification development and verification methodologies
Preferred: Metrics, root cause, and corrective-action experience
Preferred: Spacecraft or satellite systems experience
Preferred: Experience working with technically diverse teams across multiple locations

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business
9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off