AI Software Engineer - Principal or Sr Principal - Morrisville
Northrop Grumman
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Morrisville, NC · Posted September 30, 2026
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Where Morrisville, NC ranks
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November 2026
Rankings about data & analytics jobs
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- Most requested AI skills in data and analytics jobs #1 Machine learning engineering (17.1%)
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How AI is used in this kind of work
Among computer and information research scientists, AI is already used for a large share of the tasks. Measured exposure for computer and information research scientists: 34% (high).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description
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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector is looking for you to join our team as an AI Software Engineer Level 3 or 4 based out of Morrisville, NC, located within North Carolina’s storied Research Triangle metropolitan region.
What You’ll get to Do: We are looking for an AI Software Engineer who wants to work on an agile development team using modern development practices.
Our small agile Scrum team is highly energized and has a significant software effort on a growing program with a large program impact. If this is your type of environment and you love fast-paced software development, please consider joining our team.
This is a great opportunity for a flexible self-starter to work in a dynamic environment with real world technical content supporting a number of tools and systems. Plenty of opportunities for career advancement into leadership positions.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on the qualifications listed below. This requisition may be filled at either the Principal AI Software Engineer or the Senior Principal AI Software Engineer level.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal AI Software Engineer : Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or other STEM-related degree with 5+ years experience; 3+ Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD.
Senior Principal AI Software Engineer : Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or other STEM-related degree with 8 + years of software development experience; 6 years with a Master's; 4 years with a PhD.
Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI, with a Counterintelligence Polygraph (CI-Poly). Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs. (No Clearance required to start; US Citizenship required.)
Demonstrated experience/expertise with AI/ML techniques like: Optimization Theory (Linear Programming, Convex, Non-Convex)
Maximum Likelihood Estimation/Classification
Signal Processing Theory (e.g. Fourier Transforms, Cyclostationarity)
Control Theory (e.g. Kalman Filters, Feedback Loops, Optimal Control Theory)
Training Strategies (e.g. Supervised, Unsupervised, Reinforcement Learning)
Probabilistic Modeling (e.g. Mixture models, Bayesian updates)
Neural Network Architectures (e.g. Transformers, State Space Models, Recurrent, Convolutional)
ML Classifiers (e.g. SVM, Kernel Tricks, Random Forest, Ensemble)
Dimensionality Reduction Techniques (e.g. SVD, PCA, VAE, t-SNE)
Strong Applied Mathematics background
Experience with high level programming languages (e.g. Matlab, Python, R)
Experience with version control software (preferably git)
Preferred Qualifications:
Active TS/SCI clearance (Employment will be contingent on obtaining and maintaining this clearance)
Strong Communication/Presentation skills
Mission Management Algorithms experience (e.g. Assignment Problem, Traveling Salesman)
RF Processing Algorithm Experience (e.g. ModRec, Detection, CAF)
Experience with Deployment tools (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Embedded, Linux)
Distributed Algorithm experience
GPU Programming Experience
Experience working with the Proliferated Mission Management (PMM) framework
Experience working with GnuRadio or X-Midas
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
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Primary Level Salary Range: $131,500.00 - $197,300.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $164,200.00 - $246,400.00
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.