Principal Digital/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal Digital/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver digital hardware for electronic warfare, targeting, and sensing systems. Work across the full product lifecycle from concept and requirements through design, implementation, verification, production, and field support.

Position is on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL, within a hardware engineering team that uses modern FPGAs, high-speed interfaces, embedded processors, and circuit card design tools.

Experience Level

Senior. This role may be filled at the Principal level (typical experience baseline) or Sr. Principal level. Principal: roughly 5+ years digital electronics design experience; Sr. Principal: roughly 8+ years.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include designing digital subsystems and supporting their integration and production.

• Lead design and verification of digital circuit cards and subsystems using FPGAs and embedded processors.
• Create and execute simulation, schematic capture, and test plans; perform prototype bring-up and debug.
• Translate system-level performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements and test specifications.
• Support production, fielding, and sustainment activities.
• Lead or mentor small project teams and coordinate across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.
• Use documentation and revision-control tools; participate in design reviews and configuration management.
• Comply with program security and clearance requirements; travel up to ~10% as needed.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security status, and experience profile.

• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with complex digital subsystems (FPGAs, embedded processors, high-speed interfaces).
• Proven ability to lead projects and technical teams (Principal: lead small teams; Sr. Principal: lead larger efforts).
• Experience with simulation, schematic capture, test integration, and circuit card development.
• Familiarity with documentation and revision-control systems such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Current active Secret clearance required; ability to obtain additional program-specific clearances (SAP) prior to start.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline is cited; a Master’s degree is also referenced as an alternative. The posting specifies degree-plus-experience combinations (e.g., B.S. + 5 years or M.S. + 3 years for Principal; B.S. + 8 years or M.S. + 6 years for Sr. Principal). The announcement also permits equivalent practical experience in lieu of a degree.

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.