Northrop Grumman

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Northrop Grumman$87K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
  • Ability to obtain DoD Secret security clearance.
  • Internship or project experience with FPGAs or digital hardware (preferred VHDL).
  • Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and relevant tools (Vivado IDE).
  • Familiarity with digital interface protocols (e.g., Ethernet, PCIe).
  • Experience with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) and debugging tools.

Responsibilities

  • Assist senior FPGA engineers in solving design and integration challenges.
  • Develop and execute test benches for FPGA design verification.
  • Support HDL module integration, including image processing and I/O functionality.
  • Organize and maintain design documentation with oversight.
  • Manage FPGA bitstream builds as directed.
  • Ensure compliance with design standards throughout development.
  • Advance technical knowledge of FPGA technologies and methodologies.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Opportunity to gain experience in a collaborative environment.
  • Professional growth opportunities as part of a reputable defense contractor.
  • Potential for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses.
  • Health insurance, life and disability insurance included.
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacations and personal business.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for an FPGA Digital Engineer to support the Electro-Optics (EO) Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

As a FPGA Design Engineer, you will collaborate with experienced FPGA engineers and cross-disciplinary teams (hardware, algorithms, software) to support the design, verification, and integration of FPGAs for advanced systems. This early-career role is focused on learning, developing foundational skills, and contributing to project deliverables under guidance.

Responsibilities:
  • Work under supervision to assist senior FPGA engineers and multidisciplinary teams in resolving design and integration challenges.
  • Participate in the development and execution of test benches to verify FPGA designs for functional and timing requirements.
  • Support generating, verifying & integrating IO and image processing HDL modules. including functions definitions, HDL coding, module level sim and integration with overall device architecture
  • Prepare, organize, and maintain design documentation, including schematics, simulation results, and verification reports with oversight.
  • Support configuration management of FPGA bitstream builds as directed.
  • Contribute to ensuring compliance with internal design standards throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Continue developing technical knowledge of evolving FPGA technologies, tools, and industry methodologies.


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance at the time of application.
  • Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs, SoCs, or digital hardware (VHDL preferred, or Verilog).
  • Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs (academic or project experience acceptable).
  • Familiarity with managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and using development tools such as Vivado IDE.
  • Exposure to the development, verification, or debugging of digital interfaces/buses (such as Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) via coursework or projects.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
  • Experience developing or running verification plans using simulation, analysis, or hardware bench testing from coursework or internships.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application.
  • Direct experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high reliability, environmentally challenging electro optical applications (academic or internship).
  • Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs/SoCs.
  • Exposure to Vitis Unified IDE and memory interface standards (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5).
  • Coursework or project experience with embedded C/C++ programming.
  • Understanding of OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies.
  • Interested in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.


Primary Level Salary Range: $87,200.00 - $130,800.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

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Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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