Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Role Summary

Work on full life‑cycle development of digital hardware for mission systems, from concept and requirements through design, production, verification, and field support. The role focuses on digital subsystem and circuit card design using modern FPGAs, embedded processors, and high‑speed interfaces.

Assigned to integrated product teams with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. This position is full‑time and on‑site in Rolling Meadows, IL.

Experience Level

Level: Senior (position may be filled at Principal or Sr. Principal). Experience guidance: Principal ~5+ years digital electronics design experience; Sr. Principal ~8+ years digital electronics design experience.

Responsibilities

Primary activities and scope of work include:

• Lead design and implementation of digital subsystems and circuit cards (FPGAs, embedded processors, high‑speed interfaces).
• Perform simulation, schematic capture, prototyping, integration, and debug of digital hardware.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
• Support production, verification, and field test activities; provide technical support to manufacturing and sustainment teams.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams (software, RF/EO DSP, controls, data links) and participate in design reviews and documentation control.

Requirements

Minimum essential skills, eligibility, and clearances:

• Digital circuit design experience including simulation and schematic capture through test and integration.
• Hands‑on prototyping and debug experience with complex digital subsystems (FPGA development, embedded processors, and/or high‑speed interfaces).
• Proven ability to convert system specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test plans.
• Familiarity with documentation and revision control systems such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• Travel up to approximately 10% of the time.

Preferred / nice‑to‑have:

• Experience with electronic warfare systems.
• Recent circuit card design experience and tools such as Cadence Concept/Allegro or Mentor DxDesigner/Expedition.
• Current Secret or Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Demonstrated team leadership, strong communication skills, and ability to work independently on difficult problems.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline is stated. A Master's degree in a technical field and advanced degrees (Electrical or Computer Engineering) are also referenced as qualifying or preferred for higher‑level hire. The posting specifies combinations of degree level and experience for level placement (e.g., Principal and Sr. Principal experience guidelines tied to degree level).

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.