Principal FPGA Digital Engineer

Job Title

Principal FPGA Digital Engineer

Role Summary

Lead FPGA/SoC design verification and integration for the Electro-Optics group in Launch Vehicles. Work with hardware, algorithms, and software teams to validate functional and timing behavior, produce production-ready HDL modules, and support hardware integration and configuration management.

Experience Level

Senior - principal-level engineer with substantial FPGA/SoC design and verification experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include verification, integration, and documentation of FPGA designs:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve design and integration challenges.
• Develop and execute advanced testbenches to verify functional correctness and timing.
• Generate, verify, and integrate HDL modules for I/O and image-processing functions.
• Perform module-level simulation and system integration with the overall FPGA architecture.
• Manage FPGA bitstream build configurations and maintain configuration control.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation, simulation results, and verification reports.
• Conduct hardware bench testing and debug designs using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and similar tools.
• Stay current with FPGA technologies, tools, and verification methodologies.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security, and work requirements:

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance.
• Significant FPGA/SoC design experience; complex firmware development using VHDL or Verilog.
• Experience with AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs; familiarity with Versal is beneficial.
• Experience managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and performing static timing analysis using Vivado.
• Proficiency with MOSA interfaces/buses (Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC).
• Experience with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) and hardware debugging tools.
• Ability to create and execute verification plans using simulation, analysis, and hardware bench testing.
• Familiarity with verification methodologies (OSVVM or UVM); OSVVM preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time; relocation assistance may be available.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline with approximately 5 years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree with ~3 years of experience; OR PhD with ~1 year of experience. Preferred: MS or PhD in EE/CE or related fields. Equivalent practical experience may be considered. Ability to obtain or hold a U.S. DoD Secret clearance is required or preferred as noted.

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.