Engineer / Principal Engineer, Software - FPGA Developer
Northrop GrummanJob Title
Engineer / Principal Engineer, Software - FPGA Developer
Role Summary
Onsite engineering role in El Segundo, CA within Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems Research & Advanced Design (R&AD). Design, implement, verify, and optimize high-performance FPGA and digital hardware for military applications, supporting integration of technologies such as 5G, machine learning, and emerging wireless solutions into battle-management capabilities.
Position involves lab and system integration work, occasional travel (~10%), and relocation assistance may be available.
Experience Level
Senior — Principal level. Typical expectation for a Principal Engineer is approximately 5+ years of related engineering experience (varies by degree and qualification path).
Responsibilities
Key duties include architecture, implementation, verification, and integration of FPGA-based systems.
- Develop FPGA designs for digital signal processing (DSP) and data-processing applications.
- Perform FPGA simulations and verify functional correctness.
- Execute place-and-route flows and optimize timing closure.
- Integrate and test systems in laboratory environments and software-in-the-loop (SIL) setups.
- Integrate FPGA-SoC firmware/software to enable end-to-end system functionality.
Requirements
Must-have technical skills, security, and hands-on experience.
- Proven FPGA development experience for DSP and data-processing applications.
- Experience running simulations and performing place-and-route/timing optimization.
- Experience with lab and SIL integration, system bring-up, and verification.
- Experience integrating FPGA-SoC code to enable device-level end-to-end functionality.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance and any program-specific access required for the role.
Nice-to-have:
- Existing active government clearance.
- Knowledge of machine-learning accelerator design.
- Hands-on board bring-up experience, PCB layout review, and timing closure on multi-die platforms.
Education Requirements
Degree paths specified: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) is cited in basic qualifications; alternatives and preferred options include a Master’s (M.S.) or Ph.D. in a related field. The posting specifies degree-plus-experience combinations for different levels (e.g., Principal typically shown with ~5 years with a Bachelor’s, ~3 years with a Master’s, or 0+ years with a Ph.D.).
About the Company
Company: Northrop Grumman
Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative solutions in mission systems, electronics, and software. With a legacy of significant advancements in technology, we empower employees to tackle complex challenges and create revolutionary systems that enhance global security. Our diverse teams focus on engineering innovation and product development, delivering solutions that support military and civilian customers worldwide.
