Northrop Grumman

Principal/Sr. Principal PCB Producibility Engineer

Northrop Grumman$98K — $148K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM field with relevant experience; Master’s or Ph.D. with less experience accepted.
  • 5+ years of PCB producibility design experience in high complexity environments.
  • Experience with automated Design for Manufacturing (DFM) tools like Valor NPI and CAM350.
  • Knowledge of IPC standards and GD&T for PCB design.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Provide engineering support for complex RF, Digital, and Mixed Signal PCBs throughout all design phases.
  • Advise on material selection and perform impedance calculations for PCBs.
  • Conduct DFF/DFM reviews to ensure producibility and cost-efficiency of PCB designs.
  • Utilize CAD tools to generate required electronic files for manufacturing.
  • Review PCB documentation for fabrication issues including drawings and parts lists.
  • Collaborate with teams to support PCB sourcing strategies and resolve technical questions.
  • Build strong relationships with PCB fabricators and designers to align on capabilities and trends.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Full range of health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance included.
  • Savings plan offered to employees.
  • Company-paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacations.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time The Principal/Sr. Principal Design Engineer uses their expert knowledge in Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication to generate and maintain design rules, perform design for manufacturing checks, generate PCB notes for fabrication. Calculates layer stack-up based on industry standards, supplier capabilities, and engineering requirements. Utilizes computer-aided design graphic tools such as Cadence Allegro and Valor NPI to generate the required electronic data file outputs for fabrication and manufacturing and runs design for manufacturing checks. Uses their excellent communication skills to be the team's main interface with CCA and PCB suppliers. Understands technical theories of electrical and mechanical behavior of PCBs to influence layout decisions (i.e. impedance matching, differential pairs, strains and stresses, orientation of components, etc.) What You’ll Get to Do • Provide engineering support for the design of complex RF, Digital, Mixed Signal, and Power PCBs through all design phases. • Advise on material selection, define stack-up, perform impedance calculations, generate and maintain Design-for-Fabrication/Design-for-Manufacturing (DFF/DFM) specific routing rules, including fabrication drawing notes. • Conduct DFF/DFM reviews to ensure PCB designs are producible and meet yield, cost, schedule targets. • Utilizes computer-aided design graphic tools such as Cadence Allegro, Siemens Expedition, Polar SpeedStack and Valor NPI to generate the required electronic data file outputs for fabrication and manufacturing. • Review PCB documentation for fabrication concerns, including PCB drawings, parts lists, and electronic data. • Effectively read and understand all elements of the Northrop Grumman technical data/drawing/specification packages and translate for suppliers and team members. • Support internal design teams and PCB fabricators in addressing technical questions, reviewing revision notices, and investigating any PCB issues. • Collaborate with cross functional team—design teams, Global Supply Chain, PCB Category Management team, and PCB Fabricators to support PCB sourcing strategy and supplier readiness reviews. • Engage with Program, Engineering and Factory Cells to aid in resolving supplier-related manufacturing issues. • Assist with PCB layouts from component placement to routing, create multi-layer board designs that meet signal integrity, power distribution, and EMC requirements. • Build strong working relationships with internal and external PCB fabricators and PCB designers to understand capabilities, industry standards, and technology trends. This position is full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location Basic Qualifications for Principal PCB Producibility Engineer • Bachelor’s Degree with 5 years of experience, master’s degree with 3 years of experience, Ph.D. with 1 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree • PCB Producibility, PCB design or fabrication experience in a high volume or high complexity environment (digital, mixed signal, or RF). • Experience with automated DFM review tools (Valor NPI, Genesis, CAM350, and Polar). • Working knowledge of IPC 2221, IPC 6012 & 13, IPC 7351, and GD&T for PCB design. • The ability to obtain/maintain an Active DoD Secret Clearance. • US Citizenship is required Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal PCB Producibility Engineer • Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of experience, master’s degree with 6 years of experience, Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree • PCB Producibility, PCB design or fabrication experience in a high volume or high complexity environment (digital, mixed signal, or RF). • Experience with automated DFM review tools (Valor NPI, Genesis, CAM350, and Polar). • Working knowledge of IPC 2221, IPC 6012 & 13, IPC 7351, and GD&T for PCB design. • The ability to obtain/maintain an Active DoD Secret Clearance. • U.S Citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications for Principal/Senior PCB Producibility Engineer • A current/active DoD Secret clearance • Expert working knowledge of PCB design, IPC Standards, PCB fabrication processes and equipment. • Familiarity with blind/buried vias, sequential lamination, and rigid-flex processes. • Expert in PCB fabrication tools such as Valor NPI, Genesis200. CAM350 and Polar. • Experience in developing design tools and scripts (Python, C/C++, Valor NPI) • Expert knowledge of Circuit Card Assembly manufacturing. • Expert working knowledge of the Cadence Allegro and/or Siemens Xpedition software suite. • Experience with complex RF/microwave PCB design or high‑speed digital design (≥5 Gbps). • Experience with advanced PCB Technology such as High-Density Interconnect (HDI) and/or Ultra HDI material and processing. • Experience working directly with advanced high complexity PCB fabricators • Willingness to travel to PCB Fabricators and Material Suppliers for technical collaboration. • Familiarity with 3‑D mechanical integration tools (SolidWorks, NX, Enovia). • Flexibility and willingness to deal with diverse requirements and complex trade-offs, often outside of, or beyond, industry standards. • Familiarity with Root Cause Correction Action (RCCA) methodology. • Demonstrated success working in collaborative, fast paced development teams. • Ability to work in dynamic environment with cross-functional teams and support multiple projects simultaneously. • Expert written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting technical concepts to cross functional teams. Primary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $123,400.00 - $185,000.00 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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

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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