Staff FPGA Digital Engineer

Job Title

Staff FPGA Digital Engineer

Role Summary

Lead FPGA/SoC design, verification, and integration for IO and image-processing systems in the Electro-Optics group of the Launch Vehicles business in Chandler, AZ. Work with cross-disciplinary teams (hardware, algorithms, software), mentor junior engineers, and resolve complex design and integration challenges.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Qualification guidance in the posting shows typical experience ranges of PhD +8 years, MS +10 years, or BS +12 years.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead resolution of FPGA design and system integration challenges across disciplines.
• Develop and execute high-level test benches and manage multiple FPGA bitstream builds for functional and timing verification.
• Design, verify, and integrate I/O and image-processing HDL modules; perform module-level simulation and device integration.
• Perform static timing analysis and manage design constraints (timing, power, I/O) to meet performance targets.
• Create and execute verification plans using simulation, analysis, and hardware bench testing; use hardware debugging tools to isolate issues.
• Prepare and maintain design documentation (schematics, simulation results, verification reports) and present results to stakeholders.
• Mentor less-experienced engineers and ensure compliance with internal design standards throughout the development lifecycle.
• Monitor and adopt evolving FPGA technologies, tools, and methodologies.

Requirements

Must-have:

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.
• Advanced FPGA/SoC design and complex firmware development expertise; strong experience in VHDL (preferred) or Verilog.
• Extensive experience with AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs, including constraint management and static timing analysis.
• Proficiency with MOSA interfaces/buses (Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) and related verification.
• Experience with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) and hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
• Experience creating and executing verification plans and performing hardware bench testing.
• Knowledge of verification methodologies such as OSVVM or UVM (OSVVM preferred).

Nice-to-have:

• Active DoD Secret clearance at time of hire.
• Experience with missile or seeker systems, DoD missile defense programs, or other high-reliability electro-optical applications.
• Experience with AMD Xilinx Versal (Gen1/Gen2), Vivado IDE and Vitis Unified IDE.
• Advanced experience with DDR memory interfaces (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5) and fabric-based controllers.
• Embedded C/C++ integration experience, and knowledge of high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

Education Requirements

Posting specifies: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline plus 12 years relevant experience; or Master’s degree plus 10 years; or PhD plus 8 years. Preferred: MS or PhD in a related field.

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.