Principal FPGA / Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal FPGA / Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver FPGA-based digital subsystems and circuit cards across the full product lifecycle: concept, design, implementation, verification, production, and field support. Work on electronic warfare, targeting, and sensor systems as part of integrated teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management.

This is a full-time, on-site role in Rolling Meadows, IL, supporting programs that require U.S. government security clearances.

Experience Level

Senior. The role may be staffed at Principal or Sr. Principal level depending on qualifications: Principal-level candidates typically have ~5+ years (BS) or ~3+ years (MS) of digital design experience; Sr. Principal candidates typically have ~8+ years (BS) or ~6+ years (MS). The posting allows equivalent experience in lieu of a degree (additional experience required).

Responsibilities

Accountable for technical leadership and hands-on delivery of complex FPGA systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead design, implementation, verification, and integration of FPGA-based digital subsystems and circuit cards.
• Develop and execute simulation, schematic capture, prototyping, and lab debug activities.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, designs, and test plans.
• Integrate FPGAs with embedded processors, high-speed interfaces, and RF/EO DSP/data link subsystems.
• Support manufacturing, production test, and field troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation and configuration/revision control records.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers; lead small engineering teams.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and clearances, plus preferred skills:

• Extensive digital circuit and FPGA design experience, including simulation, schematic capture, test, and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with complex digital subsystems and circuit cards.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces and embedded processors; RF/EO DSP and data-link experience desirable.
• Familiarity with documentation and configuration systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• Proven ability to translate requirements into hardware designs and test specifications.
• Demonstrated project leadership and ability to mentor others.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required U.S. government security clearances for special access programs; current Active Secret Clearance preferred.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience in Electronic Warfare or aerospace/defense programs.
• Circuit card design experience with Cadence Concept, Allegro, Mentor DxDesigner, or Expedition.
• Experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS; current Top Secret clearance is advantageous.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar technical discipline is specified; Master's or advanced degrees are preferred for senior levels. The posting allows equivalent practical experience in lieu of a degree (typically an additional four years of experience). Fields referenced: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical fields.

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.