Northrop Grumman

Sr. Principal Design Engineer CMOS

Northrop Grumman • $142K — $213K *
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 9+ years of CMOS design experience, Master's with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years.
  • Leadership demonstrated in multiple full design cycles of transistor-level CMOS RF or mixed-signal ICs.
  • In-depth knowledge of analog/RF design principles such as stability, noise, and layout effects.
  • Proficiency with SPICE-based simulation and tools like Cadence for advanced verification.
  • Proven success in guiding layout and integrating block and top-level designs.
  • Strong communication skills with experience presenting to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and verification of RF/mixed-signal CMOS blocks for space payloads.
  • Collaborate with systems and packaging teams to define architectures and specifications.
  • Drive analyses and ensure targets for performance and reliability are met.
  • Provide technical guidance to layout and junior engineers for robust designs.
  • Plan and execute design reviews, identifying risks and proposing mitigations.
  • Oversee silicon bring-up and lab characterization, supporting production test development.
  • Contribute to technological advancement for next-gen space payload ICs.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation or personal business
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Seeking a Senior CMOS Design Engineer to lead RF and mixed-signal IC development for space payloads. This role provides technical leadership across architecture, transistor-level design, verification, and silicon validation for radiation-tolerant, high-reliability CMOS ICs.

**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding **

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, simulation, and verification of RF / mixed-signal CMOS blocks and subsystems for space payload applications.
  • Define architectures, specifications, and performance budgets in collaboration with systems, digital, and packaging teams.
  • Drive pre- and post-layout analyses (PVT, Monte Carlo, noise, linearity, reliability) and close on performance, power, and area targets.
  • Provide technical direction to layout and junior design engineers; ensure robust layout practices for radiation and reliability.
  • Plan and conduct design reviews; identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.
  • Lead silicon bring-up, lab characterization, debug, and correlation to simulations; support development of production test strategies.
  • Contribute to roadmaps and technology insertion for next-generation space payload ICs.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 9+ years of relevant CMOS design experience; or
    Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant CMOS design experience; or PhD with 4+ years of relevant CMOS design experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership in transistor-level CMOS RF and/or mixed-signal IC design through multiple full design cycles.
  • Deep understanding of analog/RF design principles, including stability, noise, linearity, and layout-dependent effects.
  • Proficiency with SPICE-based simulation, Cadence (or similar) design environments, and advanced verification techniques.
  • Proven experience guiding layout, closing DRC/LVS, and managing block- and top-level integration.
  • Strong technical communication and experience presenting to cross-functional and leadership audiences.


Preferred Qualifications
  • IC design experience for space, radiation-tolerant, or other harsh environments (rad-hard design techniques, TID/SEE considerations).
  • Experience with RF front ends, data converters, synthesizers/PLLs, or mixed-signal readout ASICs for space payloads.
  • Hands-on leadership in lab validation and silicon debug using RF and mixed-signal measurement equipment.
  • Experience mentoring junior engineers and influencing technical direction at the program or product level.
  • Experience with heterogeneous integration approaches
  • Active security clearance


**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding **

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ
NOC
* Ladders Estimates

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