Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Role Summary

Join the Multi-domain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability Division (MSTS) engineering team to design, implement, and support FPGA-based digital subsystems for electronic warfare, sensing, and communications systems. Work spans the full product life cycle: requirements, design, implementation, test, production, and field support.

This is an on-site engineering role based in Rolling Meadows, IL focused on complex circuit card and FPGA designs using current vendor device families and high-speed interfaces.

Experience Level

Level: Senior. Typical experience ranges: Principal level (approximately 5+ years with a BS or 3+ years with an MS); Sr. Principal level (approximately 8+ years with a BS or 6+ years with an MS). Exact placement depends on candidate qualifications.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Full life-cycle digital hardware development from concept and requirements through design, verification, production, and field support.
• Architect, design, and implement FPGA-based digital subsystems and circuit cards supporting RF/EO DSP, embedded processing, data links, and high-speed interfaces.
• Develop and execute simulation, schematic capture, prototyping, debug, and integration activities.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
• Lead and mentor engineering teams; coordinate with Manufacturing and Program Management.
• Maintain documentation and configuration control using tools such as DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• Support testing, verification, and troubleshooting in laboratory and field environments.

Requirements

Must-have skills and conditions:

• Proven digital circuit design experience, including simulation through test and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with complex digital subsystems, especially FPGA-based circuit cards and embedded processors.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces and their verification.
• Ability to lead small to multi-person project teams and to translate system specifications into hardware and test requirements.
• Familiarity with documentation and revision control systems (e.g., DOORS, ClearCase, ClearQuest).
• US Citizenship and interim Secret clearance prior to start; ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel (approx. 10%).
• Relocation assistance may be available.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with Electronic Warfare systems and Aerospace/Defense industry programs.
• Recent circuit card layout/design exposure and tools such as Cadence Concept, Allegro, Mentor DxDesigner, or Expedition.
• Current Secret or Top Secret clearance.
• Team leadership and mentoring experience; strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline is expected; Master's and advanced degrees in Electrical or Computer Engineering are referenced as alternate qualifications. The posting allows substitution of additional experience in lieu of a degree (typically an extra 4 years of related experience). Specific guidance: Principal level: BS + ~5 years or MS + ~3 years; Sr. Principal: BS + ~8 years or MS + ~6 years.

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.