Principal Electrical Engineer (FPGA Design Engineer)

Job Title

Principal Electrical Engineer (FPGA Design Engineer)

Role Summary

Design, implement, and verify FPGA logic for embedded avionics computers within the Common Products Circuit Design organization. Work with product architects, electrical designers, software and systems engineers to define HW/SW interfaces, requirements, verification approaches, and integrated development workflows for safety-critical avionics products.

Experience Level

Senior engineer. Typical experience combinations described by the employer: Bachelor's +5 years, Master's +3 years, or PhD +1 year (see Education Requirements for details).

Responsibilities

Deliver FPGA-based hardware and verification for avionics computer functions and support integration into system-level products.

• Define FPGA architecture and translate system/board requirements into detailed FPGA requirements and design specifications.
• Partition functionality between hardware, firmware, and software with the product architect.
• Develop synthesizable HDL for FPGA designs and implement high-speed and peripheral interfaces.
• Create testbenches and simulation environments; perform functional, timing, and synthesis-level simulations.
• Perform synthesis, place & route, and timing closure (Vivado or equivalent); optimize resource use and power.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop and system-level integration testing with embedded processors and avionics systems.
• Participate in formal verification and validation activities and document technical findings.
• Establish and improve integrated product development workflows, processes and tools to reduce time to market.
• Provide technical support and collaboration with internal teams and external customers as needed; travel up to 10%.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security eligibility, and hands-on experience required for the role.

• Proven digital circuit design and hands-on prototyping/debug experience for complex digital subsystems (FPGA-based circuit card development, embedded processors, or high-speed interfaces).
• Experience implementing interfaces such as PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, Ethernet and serial links.
• Experience using AMD FPGAs and Vivado or equivalent FPGA tool flows.
• Experience with OVM/UVM verification methodologies and creating comprehensive testbenches.
• Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret clearance and program access.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with the full product life cycle (requirements, design, implementation, test).
• Experience facilitating collaboration to capture and improve engineering artifacts and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements and test specifications.

Education Requirements

Employer specifies degree-based qualification equivalence: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years related experience, OR Master's in a STEM discipline with 3 years related experience, OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year related experience. STEM fields implied include electrical/computer engineering, computer science, physics, or related technical disciplines; equivalent practical experience also accepted per the stated combinations.

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.