Principal FPGA Digital Engineer

Job Title

Principal FPGA Digital Engineer

Role Summary

Senior FPGA design engineer supporting the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, AZ. The role focuses on FPGA/SoC design verification, developing and executing test benches, and integrating HDL modules for IO and image processing into flight-representative systems.

Work is cross-disciplinary with hardware, software and algorithm teams to ensure functional correctness, timing closure, and compliance with internal design standards.

Experience Level

Senior. Typical experience expectation: approximately 5+ years (Bachelor's baseline) or the equivalent experience as reflected by advanced degrees and reduced years in the posting.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include verification, integration, and documentation of FPGA designs.

• Develop and execute advanced test benches to verify functional and timing requirements.
• Generate, verify, and integrate HDL modules for I/O and image-processing functions at module and device levels.
• Perform static timing analysis and manage timing, power, and I/O constraints to meet performance targets.
• Collaborate with hardware, algorithms, and software teams to resolve design and integration issues.
• Oversee configuration management of FPGA bitstream build configurations for multiple use cases.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, simulation results, and verification reports.
• Use hardware bench testing and debugging tools to validate designs on target platforms.
• Maintain technical knowledge of evolving FPGA technologies, tools, and methodologies.

Requirements

Must-have skills and clearances required for the role; preferred items listed separately.

• Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret security clearance (clearance required for start).
• Solid FPGA/SoC design and complex firmware development experience using VHDL (preferred) or Verilog.
• Significant experience with AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs and Vivado toolflow for timing closure.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces and buses (Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) and MOSA interfaces.
• Competency with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) and hardware debugging equipment (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Experience creating and executing verification plans using simulation and hardware bench testing.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with AMD Xilinx Versal platforms and Vitis unified environment.
• Experience designing and verifying DDR interfaces (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5) and fabric-based controllers (AXI/custom interconnects).
• Embedded C/C++ experience for SoC integration and familiarity with high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.
• Experience with OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies (OSVVM preferred).
• Experience with missile, seeker, or other high-reliability electro-optical systems and DoD program familiarity.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline (plus ~5 years relevant experience), OR Master’s degree (plus ~3 years), OR PhD (plus ~1 year) from an accredited institution as described in the posting. Fields listed: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical disciplines. (Degrees and the associated years-of-experience alternatives were specified in the job's basic 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.