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Cognitive Computing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We give parents and teachers actionable insight into each child's cognitive, social, and emotional ... Experience designing and building distributed, fault-tolerant computing architectures

Solutions Architect

Menlo Park, CA

$74.25 - $97.75/hr

We give parents and teachers actionable insight into each child's cognitive, social, and emotional ... Experience designing and building distributed, fault-tolerant computing architectures

We're looking for designers who can envision a world where computing enhances our human ... Interest in cognitive science and how humans process/organize information We request that you ...

Solutions Architect

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

We give parents and teachers actionable insight into each child's cognitive, social, and emotional ... Experience designing and building distributed, fault-tolerant computing architectures

... computing, or health-related sensing technologies Advanced quantitative expertise such as ... Cognitive or Behavioral Science, Ergonomics, or related field or 7-10 years of equivalent ...

... user account setup, and access to computing resources. * Ensure participant safety and ... applicable cognitive. Knowledge, Skill Sciences and Abilities: * General understanding of ...

... cognitive enhancement for healthy users. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Subsense brings together ... Experience with COMSOL, MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar scientific computing tools. Why This ...

Showing results 41-60

Cognitive Computing information

See California salary details

$10

$52

$104

How much do cognitive computing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cognitive computing in California is $52.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.26 and $65.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cognitive Computing vs Data Scientist?

AspectCognitive ComputingData Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically degrees in computer science, AI, or related fields; certifications in AI or machine learningDegrees in statistics, computer science, or related fields; certifications in data analysis or machine learning
Work EnvironmentAI labs, tech companies, research institutionsBusiness analytics teams, tech firms, consulting agencies
Industry UsageDeveloping AI systems that simulate human thoughtAnalyzing data to extract insights and inform decisions

While both roles involve advanced technical skills, Cognitive Computing focuses on creating AI systems that mimic human cognition, whereas Data Scientists analyze data to generate insights. The roles often overlap in AI and tech industries but serve different primary functions.

How does a cognitive computing specialist typically collaborate with data scientists and software engineers in project teams?

Cognitive computing specialists often work closely with data scientists and software engineers to design, build, and deploy intelligent systems. They contribute expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and reasoning algorithms, while data scientists focus on preparing and analyzing data, and software engineers handle system integration and deployment. Effective collaboration is essential, as projects usually require regular meetings, knowledge sharing, and joint problem-solving to ensure the cognitive solution aligns with business objectives and technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cognitive computing specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cognitive Computing Specialist, you need a solid background in computer science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, data analysis tools, cloud computing platforms, and AI frameworks such as TensorFlow or IBM Watson is typically required. Critical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills help you design innovative solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are essential for developing intelligent systems that solve complex problems and drive business value.

What is cognitive computing?

Cognitive computing refers to technology that simulates human thought processes using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. It enables systems to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions, often used in fields like data analysis, automation, and AI development for enhanced problem-solving capabilities.
What job categories do people searching Cognitive Computing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cognitive Computing jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Cognitive Computing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,670 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Software Engineer (C++ and TS Clearance)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
We are looking for you to join our team as a Software Engineer based out of Woodland Hills, CA. As a Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of innovation.
For this role, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Develop software utilizing C/C++ to modernize and productionize a research codebase
  • Develop software infrastructure to support CI/CD, software metrics collection, and MLOps
  • Implement software-systems, applications, and architectures that leverage techniques to support achieving increased modularity, scalability, and reliability, while also maintaining precision, accuracy, and speed to meet performance requirements
  • Ensure industry software engineering best practices and standards are applied and maintained
  • Work closely with Software Leads to understand program intent, system capabilities, and output requirements

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of relative experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 0+ years of relative experience
  • Active Top Secret security clearance and enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
  • Ability to meet customer-specific security screening requirements within a timeframe set forth by management
  • Willingness and ability to work onsite full-time
  • Experience working in C/C++
  • Proven ability to code new software and modify existing software to add new features
  • Ability to debug existing software and correct defects
  • Experience with open software/system architecture solutions
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
  • Experience with developing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
  • Experience with Git-based or other software configuration management tools

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with containers (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Experience with Linux operating systems
  • Experience with CUDA and GPUs
  • Experience with high performance numerical/scientific computing, parallel computing
  • Experience with developing for SWaP-constrained environments
  • Familiarity with signal-processing algorithms
  • Familiarity with Agile lifecycle process including Scrum and DevSecOps

This position is contingent upon clearance and special program access.
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939