Calling all AI Algorithm Development Engineers! (Dulles)

We are looking for team members who want to solve interesting, complex problems, which protect our nation. Your talents and passion are most important to us. If you don't know a language, program, or platform, we will teach you! Become a part of our enthusiastic team where we have fun working together and take pride in our contributions to the nation's safety.
We are recruiting for mid-level and senior AI researchers and engineers with deep knowledge of Computer Science and a deep focus on Reinforcement Learning (RL) to design and implement intelligent autonomy algorithms for our space and aerospace programs.
In one of these roles, you will:

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 ensuring robust and adaptive spacecraft operations. This includes developing models that detect out-of-family telemetry and select corrective actions via hierarchical or policy-gradient RL
Lead Verification & Flight Readiness
Lead Monte-Carlo, Processor-in-the-Loop, Hardware-in-the-Loop, and digital twin campaigns to prove safety and performance per internal standards
Participate in the full life-cycle of software development, to include requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit to CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance
In these roles you will be developing systems for a variety of spacecraft using current technologies and others yet to come! We are seeking team members who have a thirst for knowledge, approach each day with optimism, and have a relentless drive to solve complex problems. Creativity and innovation are imperative for this role, because at Northrop Grumman, many of the problems we work on are impossible... until they're not.
What does success look like?
As a successful employee, you will:

Be an active and integral member of your team
Channel your enthusiasm to innovate
Be 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
These roles could be filled at a level 3 or 4.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Engineer

Bachelor's Degree (STEM field preferred) with 5 years of experience (or 3 years of experience w/ a Masters, or 1 year w/ a PhD). Experience can be considered in lieu of degree
A Master's in Computer Science, Reinforcement Learning, or a STEM field preferred with a strong physics-based numerical modeling and AI/ML experience
Industry knowledge and/or foundational education of AI, with a focus on ML, RL, or SL model development
Proven track record of machine learning usage in a product line environment
Hands-on coding of learning algorithms from primary literature-comfortable translating equations to optimized code
Demonstrated physics-based AI application experience (e.g. for spacecraft, robotics, autonomous aircraft, drones, rockets, or similar) in academia or industry
Proven experience in developing scalable RL/SL and other ML pipelines, with a track record of designing novel algorithms tailored to complex, real-world dynamics
Software Engineering Skills: Proficiency in software engineering best practices and standards, with experience in simulation development for space vehicle applications. This includes Demonstrated experience in Embedded Software, Space Flight Software, or Simulation Software
Python, CUDA, C/C++ programming experience
Strong interest in space, national security, and related mission areas
U.S. citizenship
Sr. Principal Engineer

Bachelor's Degree (STEM preferred) with 9 years of experience (or 7 years of experience w/ a Masters, or 4 years w/ a PhD). Experience can be considered in lieu of degree
A Master's in Computer Science, Reinforcement Learning, or a STEM field preferred with a strong physics-based numerical modeling and AI/ML experience
Industry knowledge and/or foundational education of AI, with a focus on ML, RL, or SL model development
Proven track record of machine learning usage in a product line environment
Hands-on coding of learning algorithms from primary literature-comfortable translating equations to optimized code
Demonstrated physics-based AI application experience (e.g. for spacecraft, robotics, autonomous aircraft, drones, rockets, or similar) in academia or industry
Proven experience in developing scalable RL/SL and other ML pipelines, with a track record of designing novel algorithms tailored to complex, real-world dynamics
Software Engineering Skills: Proficiency in software engineering best practices and standards, with experience in simulation development for space vehicle applications. This includes Demonstrated experience in Embedded Software, Space Flight Software, or Simulation Software
Python, CUDA, C/C++ programming experience
Strong interest in space, national security, and related mission areas
U.S. citizenship
Preferred Qualifications:

A PhD in Computer Science with a focus on Reinforcement Learning
Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python, Matlab/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting
Demonstrated systems engineering excellence in requirements analysis, modeling and simulation, verification and validation at subsystem and system level or Demonstrated vehicle development, mission systems integration, ground and flight test validation experience
Experience in successfully developing and integrating software and hardware solutions for space applications
Experience in system and subsystem specification development including verification methodologies
Experience implementing action plans based on metrics and/or root cause/corrective actions
Hands-on technical experience with spacecraft or satellite related systems
Proven experience working with technically diverse teams across multiple locations
Experience within Space Flight Software, Simulation Software
Active TS/SCI clearance
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.
The Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Division is a strategic partner specializing in commercial and classified partnerships with the design, delivery, operation and sustainment of satellites and human spacecraft. We support science and space exploration through our various partnerships, including NASA's Artemis program with the goal to return humans to the Moon in 2024 and the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) program that has discovered more than twenty confirmed plants. Recognized as an industry leader, we also develop highly specialized space and satellite components.
Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
Medical
Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
Flexible Schedules (For example the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work)
For more details please visit our total rewards site or chat with one of our recruiters to learn more.
Link: www.northropgrumman.com/benefits
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Salary Range: $133,500.00 - $200,300.00Salary Range 2: $166,200.00 - $249,400.00The 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.