FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Job Title

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Role Summary

Support the Electro-Optics group in the Launch Vehicles business unit by contributing to the design, verification, and integration of FPGA-based systems. Work with hardware, algorithms, and software teams under the guidance of senior engineers.

Position based in Chandler, AZ. Travel up to 10% and relocation assistance may be available. A U.S. government Secret security clearance is required for start.

Experience Level

Entry-level / early-career.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include supporting FPGA design, verification, integration, and documentation under supervision.

• Assist senior FPGA engineers and multidisciplinary teams to resolve design and integration issues.
• Develop and execute test benches for functional and timing verification.
• 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.
• Support configuration management for FPGA bitstream builds.
• Ensure compliance with internal design standards throughout development.
• Develop technical knowledge of evolving FPGA technologies, tools, and methodologies.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, clearance eligibility, and relevant practical experience. Preferred items are listed separately.

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance at the time of application.
• HDL coding experience (VHDL preferred, or Verilog) from internships, projects, or professional work.
• Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs/SoCs and familiarity with tools such as Vivado IDE.
• Familiarity with managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Exposure to digital interfaces/buses (Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) via coursework, projects, or work.
• Experience developing or executing verification plans using simulation, analysis, or hardware bench testing.

Nice-to-have:

• Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance.
• Experience with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs/SoCs, Vitis IDE, or DDR3/DDR4/DDR5 memory interfaces.
• Familiarity with OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies.
• Embedded C/C++ experience and interest in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.
• Experience with missile/seeker systems or other high-reliability electro-optical applications.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline (or a Master’s degree). Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs/SoCs/digital hardware is acceptable; equivalent practical experience is considered where stated.

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.