FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Job Title

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Role Summary

Join the Electro-Optics group supporting Launch Vehicles to design, verify, and integrate FPGA-based digital systems. This early-career engineering role works with hardware, algorithm, and software teams to deliver HDL modules, testbenches, and bitstreams for high-reliability electro-optical applications.

Experience Level

Entry / Early-career. Typical experience range: 0–3 years; this role is focused on learning and developing foundational FPGA design and verification skills under supervision.

Responsibilities

Key duties include design support, verification, documentation, and integration of FPGA modules into system architectures.

• Assist senior FPGA engineers and cross-disciplinary teams to resolve design and integration issues under supervision.
• Develop and execute test benches for functional and timing verification of FPGA designs.
• Generate, verify, and integrate I/O and image-processing HDL modules; perform module-level simulation and device integration.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, simulation results, and verification reports with oversight.
• Support FPGA bitstream build configuration management and compliance with internal design standards.
• Continue developing knowledge of FPGA tools, architectures, and industry methodologies.
• May require travel up to ~10% for integration, testing, or meetings.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security, and verification experience.

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance at time of application.
• Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs, SoCs, or digital hardware; VHDL preferred (Verilog acceptable).
• Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs and use of development tools such as Vivado.
• Familiarity with managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Experience developing or executing verification plans using simulation, analysis, or hardware bench testing (coursework or internships acceptable).
• Exposure to digital interfaces/buses (Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) through projects or coursework.
• Strong documentation practices and configuration management awareness.
• Preferred: active DoD Secret clearance and direct experience with missile, seeker, or high-reliability electro-optical systems; familiarity with Versal FPGAs, Vitis IDE, memory interfaces (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5); embedded C/C++; OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies; interest in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.

Education Requirements

Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited university plus approximately 2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in a related technical field. (Master's degree is listed as preferred.)

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.