Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal/Sr. Principal Digital Design Engineer

Role Summary

Senior engineer responsible for digital hardware design and development of electronic warfare, targeting, and sensing systems. Work spans full product lifecycle: system concept, requirements, design, implementation, test, production support, and field support within a hardware engineering team in Rolling Meadows, IL.

Experience Level

Senior. Typical experience expectations: Principal level ~5+ years digital electronics design (or ~3+ with a Master’s); Sr. Principal level ~8+ years (or ~6+ with a Master’s).

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities for the role include leading digital subsystem design, delivering hardware ready for production, and supporting test and field operations.

• Perform full lifecycle digital hardware design for circuit cards and subsystems (requirements through production and field support).
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware and test requirements and design specifications.
• Design and verify FPGA-based and embedded-processor systems, and high-speed interfaces; perform simulation and schematic-capture workflows.
• Prototype, debug, and integrate complex digital subsystems; lead integration and verification testing.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation and use revision control/review systems.
• Lead and mentor small project teams and coordinate with manufacturing and program management.
• Support production transitions and provide field support when required.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills, security, and work-eligibility requirements.

• Extensive digital circuit design experience, including simulation, schematic capture, test, and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with complex digital subsystems (FPGAs, embedded processors, high-speed interfaces).
• Demonstrated ability to lead small engineering projects and mentor others.
• Familiarity with documentation and configuration/revision control systems such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a minimum Secret clearance (customer may require higher/SAP access prior to start).

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with electronic warfare systems and aerospace/defense industry experience.
• Circuit card design experience using tools such as Cadence Concept, Allegro, Mentor DxDesigner, or Expedition.
• Current Secret or Top-Secret clearance.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline is stated for Principal/Sr. Principal levels (Principal: B.S. + ~5 years or M.S. + ~3 years; Sr. Principal: B.S. + ~8 years or M.S. + ~6 years). Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering is listed as preferred.

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.