FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title

FPGA Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and implement FPGA-based digital subsystems for electronic warfare, targeting, and sensor systems. Work on full product lifecycle from requirements and design through test, production, and field support as part of integrated teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management.

Position is on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL, supporting high-speed interfaces, RF/EO DSP, embedded processing, and circuit card development.

Experience Level

Entry-level / Early Career — requires a minimum of 2 years of digital electronics design experience (per job qualifications). Master's degree candidates considered.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include engineering, implementation, and verification of FPGA and digital hardware subsystems.

• Full life-cycle FPGA and digital subsystem development: concept, requirements, design, implementation, verification, production support, and field support.
• Develop and test electronic equipment and circuit cards incorporating FPGAs, embedded processors, and high-speed interfaces.
• Prototype and debug complex digital subsystems; perform simulation, schematic capture, and lab validation.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements and test procedures.
• Create and maintain design documentation and use revision control/review tools.
• Lead small projects or workstreams (typically teams of two or fewer).
• Coordinate with manufacturing and program management for production and fielding.
• Support integration with RF/EO DSP, data links, and embedded software as required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security and eligibility requirements follow.

• Minimum 2 years of digital electronics design experience, including digital circuit design through test and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces.
• Experience with simulation and schematic capture workflows and lab verification.
• Familiarity with configuration and document revision systems such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small project teams and communicate across engineering and program organizations.
• Ability and willingness to travel ~10% of the time.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and hold an Interim Secret clearance prior to start; must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience in electronic warfare, aerospace/defense industry, or circuit card design tools (Cadence Concept/Allegro, Mentor DxDesigner, Expedition).
• Current Secret or Top-Secret clearance.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and leading small teams.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) with a minimum of 2 years of digital electronics design experience, or a Master's degree in a STEM field. Preferred: advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering.

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.