Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer

Job Title

Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer

Role Summary

Join the Software and Digital Technologies (SWDT) organization to design, verify, test, and deliver FPGA and firmware solutions for defense systems. The role supports enterprise-wide digital transformation using modern digital development tools and Agile practices.

Experience Level

Senior. This position may be filled at two levels: Principal (typically ~5 years relevant experience) or Sr. Principal (typically ~8 years relevant experience).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include development, verification, test, and integration of digital designs and firmware for operational systems.

• Design, verify, simulate, and test FPGA-based digital designs.
• Use modeling and simulation tools to accelerate firmware and FPGA development and validation.
• Create and execute test plans; validate functionality, performance, and security of digital systems.
• Adhere to coding standards, revision control, and peer-review practices.
• Perform laboratory testing using oscilloscopes, signal generators/analyzers, and FPGA debug tools; analyze test data.
• Prepare engineering change orders and perform analyses such as power utilization and signal integrity.
• Support systems integration and test; lead on-site testing activities.
• Manage design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and perform static timing analysis to achieve timing closure.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand system-level impacts on circuit requirements and constraints.

Requirements

Must-have skills and conditions for consideration; preferred items listed separately.

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret clearance (Secret required to start).
• Minimum of 5 years practical experience with VHDL.
• Minimum of 5 years experience with schematic and programmable logic toolflows (e.g., AMD/Xilinx Vivado, Intel/Altera Quartus).
• Minimum of 5 years firmware development experience covering specification, design, implementation, integration, debug, and maintenance.
• Proven ability to work independently and take initiative while contributing to team objectives.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with timing constraints and achieving timing closure.
• Real-time embedded firmware experience and domain knowledge in Radar, Electronic Warfare, or Space systems.
• Familiarity with DoD development environments and processes.
• Experience working in lab/testing environments.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field is required for both Principal and Sr. Principal levels. A Master's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering (or related STEM) is preferred. U.S. Citizenship and clearance eligibility are required. (Degree or advanced degree references moved here from qualifications.)

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.