Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver digital hardware subsystems across the full product lifecycle: concept, requirements, design, implementation, verification, production, and field support. Work in integrated teams with engineering, manufacturing, and program management on FPGA-based and high-speed digital circuit card assemblies used in sensing, targeting, and electronic warfare systems.

Experience Level

Senior. Position can be filled at Principal or Sr. Principal levels: Principal typically requires ~5+ years of relevant digital electronics design experience (or ~3+ years with a Master's); Sr. Principal typically requires ~8+ years (or ~6+ years with a Master's).

Responsibilities

Contribute technical leadership and hands-on engineering to digital hardware development.

• Design digital circuits and subsystems, including FPGA-based designs and high-speed interfaces.
• Perform simulation, schematic capture, prototype build, bring-up, debugging, and integration into larger systems.
• Translate system-level requirements into hardware requirements, design descriptions, and test plans.
• Lead small project teams and mentor junior engineers; coordinate with manufacturing and program management.
• Support verification, production transition, and field sustainment activities.
• Maintain engineering documentation and use configuration/revision control processes.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, clearances, and eligibility.

• Proven digital circuit design experience including simulation, schematic capture, test, and integration (experience with FPGAs and embedded processors required).
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience for complex digital subsystems and circuit card assemblies.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces and associated verification/integration activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering projects and collaborate across disciplines.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation and revision control tools such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain at least a Secret security clearance; may require access to Special Access Program (SAP) level clearances.
• 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 similar engineering discipline is stated as the baseline; a Master’s degree is accepted with fewer years of required experience. An advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering is listed as preferred for more senior considerations.

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.