Principal Engineer Digital FPGA / Sr. Principal Engineer Digital FPGA (Level 3/4)

Job Title

Principal Engineer Digital FPGA / Sr. Principal Engineer Digital FPGA (Level 3/4)

Role Summary

Responsible Design Engineer (RDE) for digital FPGA, PCB/CCA and electronic unit design supporting flight electronics test systems and satellite ground operational hardware. The role includes architecture and detailed design, functional simulation, hardware test, and presenting design reviews to internal and external customers.

Works in a multidisciplinary team with systems, software, production, procurement and program management to deliver hardware that meets schedule and technical requirements.

Experience Level

Senior. This position can be filled at Level 3 or Level 4 with the following experience guidance:

Level 3: Bachelor's in a STEM discipline +5 years engineering experience OR Master's +3 years OR PhD +1 year. Level 4: Bachelor's +8 years OR Master's +6 years OR PhD +4 years.

Responsibilities

Core responsibilities include design, verification, integration and test of digital and electronic systems.

• Perform detailed digital analysis at the component level.
• FPGA architecture, design, functional simulation, and creation of test vectors.
• Design, develop, test, and integrate PCBs/CCAs and electronic units/drawers.
• Design and deliver electronic test systems (test sets) and provide post-delivery support.
• Conduct worst-case performance analysis for critical digital signals.
• Prepare and present design reviews for internal teams and external customers.
• Collaborate with Ground/Flight Hardware Engineering, Systems, Software, Product Engineering, Production, Procurement, and Program Management.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security, and other clear requirements.

• Active Top Secret clearance required at time of application; SCI access preferred.
• Proven FPGA design experience (implementation, simulation, test vectors).
• Design and test experience in electronics or digital technology.
• Experience with PCB/CCA development, integration and hardware test.
• Ability to perform hardware-level digital signal analysis and system-level integration.
• Willingness to travel ~10% and potential eligibility for relocation assistance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice-to-have:

• Design and test experience in Analog/RF technology.
• Experience with electronic drawer/unit and small-to-large subsystem design.

Education Requirements

Degree requirements include Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in a STEM discipline. Level-specific guidance: Level 3 requires B.S. +5 yrs / M.S. +3 yrs / PhD +1 yr; Level 4 requires B.S. +8 yrs / M.S. +6 yrs / PhD +4 yrs. Preferred fields include Electrical or Computer Engineering; a Master’s in Electrical or Computer Engineering is listed as preferred. Equivalent practical experience is accepted where indicated by the level-specific degree-plus-experience 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.