Principal/Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Job Title

Principal / Sr. Principal FPGA Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver digital hardware and FPGA-based subsystems for electronic warfare, targeting, and sensing systems. Work across the full product lifecycle from concept and requirements through design, test, production, and field support within multidisciplinary teams.

Projects involve high-speed interfaces, RF/EO DSP, embedded processing, circuit cards, and integration with manufacturing and program management.

Experience Level

Senior level. Position may be filled at Principal or Sr. Principal depending on experience.

Experience guidance: Principal-level typically has ~5+ years of relevant digital design experience; Sr. Principal typically has ~8+ years of relevant digital design experience.

Responsibilities

The role requires technical leadership and hands-on design work across digital hardware and FPGA subsystems.

• Perform full lifecycle hardware development: requirements, design, implementation, verification, production support, and field support.
• Design and integrate FPGA-based digital subsystems, embedded processors, and high-speed interfaces on circuit cards.
• Create and validate digital circuit designs using simulation, schematic capture, and test integration.
• Prototype, debug, and test complex digital assemblies and support lab and system-level integration.
• Translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements and test plans.
• Lead and mentor small engineering teams and coordinate with manufacturing and program management.
• Maintain engineering documentation and use revision-control/review systems for design artifacts.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and conditions to be considered for the role.

• Extensive experience in digital circuit design, simulation, and schematic capture through test and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debugging experience with complex digital subsystems involving FPGAs, embedded processors, and high-speed interfaces.
• Proven ability to lead projects and small teams and to produce design and test specifications from system requirements.
• Familiarity with documentation and revision-control tools similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
• Ability to work on-site in Rolling Meadows, IL and travel up to ~10% of the time.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and have an interim Secret clearance prior to start; ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance is required.
• Experience in aerospace/defense or electronic warfare systems is preferred.

Education Requirements

Degree requirements in source: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar technical discipline is typical. A Master’s or advanced degree is preferred for senior consideration. Equivalent practical experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree (the posting specifies additional years of experience in lieu of degree). Security clearance eligibility is required.

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.