FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Job Title

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Role Summary

Early-career FPGA design engineer supporting the Electro-Optics group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, AZ. Work with cross-disciplinary teams (hardware, algorithms, software) to design, verify, and integrate FPGA-based digital systems.

The role focuses on developing foundational FPGA skills, executing verification activities, integrating HDL modules, and contributing to system-level hardware effort under senior engineering guidance.

Experience Level

Entry-level - typically Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering plus ~2 years relevant experience, or a Master's degree. Early-career position focused on learning and guided contribution.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include design, verification, integration, and documentation of FPGA-based digital functions.

• Assist senior FPGA engineers and multidisciplinary teams to resolve design and integration challenges.
• Develop and execute test benches to verify FPGA designs for functional and timing requirements.
• Generate, verify, and integrate I/O and image-processing HDL modules; perform module-level simulation and integrate into device architecture.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain design documentation, simulation results, and verification reports.
• Support configuration management for FPGA bitstream builds.
• Ensure compliance with internal design standards throughout the development lifecycle.
• Participate in hardware bench testing and debug activities as needed.

Requirements

Must-haves reflect skills and hands-on exposure required to perform the role. Preferred items are listed separately.

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance.
• Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs or SoCs; VHDL preferred (Verilog acceptable).
• Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs.
• Familiarity with managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and using Vivado IDE or equivalent tools.
• Exposure to digital interfaces/buses such as Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, or SDLC via coursework or projects.
• Familiarity 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.

Nice-to-have:

• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
• Experience with missile/seeker systems or other high-reliability electro-optical applications.
• Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal devices and Vitis Unified IDE.
• Exposure to memory interface standards (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5) and embedded C/C++ programming.
• Understanding of verification methodologies such as OSVVM or UVM; interest in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university plus approximately 2 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline. (The posting lists a Master’s degree as an alternative and as preferred for some candidates.)

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.