eCad Electrical Engineer - Level 4 - Dulles

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 142,200 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Company-paid holidays

Paid time off

Overtime or bonus opportunities

Job summary

Northrop Grumman seeks an experienced eCad Electrical Engineer to lead PCB layout for space-grade hardware in Dulles, VA. The role emphasizes end-to-end design using Cadence Allegro, high-density HDI layouts, and strict adherence to space‑rated standards.

You will create and maintain ECAD libraries, ensure signal integrity and power integrity, and collaborate with mechanical and RF teams to meet stringent thermal and EMI/EMC requirements. U.S. Citizenship is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of PCB layout experience
• Proven Cadence Allegro PCB Designer experience in aerospace/high‑reliability
• Experience with creating and managing ECAD libraries
• U.S. Citizenship required
• Leadership in layout design for flight boards
• Experience with CID or CID+ certification or equivalent training

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end PCB layout using Cadence Allegro
• Develop multilayer HDI and controlled impedance layouts for space environments
• Create and maintain PCB symbols, footprints, and padstacks
• Ensure layouts meet electrical, mechanical, and thermal constraints
• Apply NASA-STD-8739 and IPC 2221/2222 layout standards
• Generate fabrication/assembly files and participate in design reviews
• Collaborate with engineers to define constraints and placement strategies

Job description

Job Title

eCad Electrical Engineer – Level 4

Location

Dulles, VA (100% onsite)

Key Facts

• Relocation assistance may be available
• No clearance required to start
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
• Schedule: 9/80 with every other Friday off

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end PCB layout process using Cadence Allegro PCB Designer
• Develop multilayer, high-density interconnect (HDI) and controlled impedance layouts optimized for space environments
• Create and maintain PCB symbols, footprints, and padstacks in accordance with internal library standards
• Work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure layout meets electrical, mechanical, and thermal constraints
• Implement high-speed routing techniques including differential pairs, length tuning, and EMI/EMC compliance practices
• Support RF and mixed-signal layout requirements, including controlled impedance and matched-length RF signal traces, proper isolation and grounding strategies for RF sections, minimization of parasitic effects, signal loss and coupling across layers, and placement and routing for connectors, antennas, or filters used in RF paths
• Incorporate blind/buried vias, microvias, and stackup design for rigid/flex and complex assemblies
• Generate fabrication (Gerber, ODB++) and assembly files, release documentation, and participate in design reviews
• Apply NASA-STD-8739 and IPC-2221/2222 layout standards for space-rated hardware
• Participate in DFM/DFX reviews with manufacturing partners to ensure layout readiness for fabrication and assembly
• Collaborate with engineers to define layout constraints, clearance rules, and placement strategies
• Drive quality through internal peer reviews, ECAD checklist adherence, and continuous layout optimization
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional PCB layout experience OR Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience OR PhD with 4 years of professional experience
• Proven experience with Cadence Allegro PCB Designer in an aerospace, medical, or other high‑reliability environment
• Experience with creating and managing ECAD libraries (symbols/footprints)
• Demonstrated expertise in multilayer board layout with signal integrity and power integrity in mind
• U.S. Citizenship
• Demonstrated leadership in layout design for flight boards or mission‑critical systems
• Experience with IPC CID or CID+ certification or equivalent layout training

Preferred Qualifications

• IPC CID or CID+ Certification
• Experience with NASA-STD-8739.x, IPC‑6012, and ECSS standards
• Experience with RF layout best practices (e.g., maintaining return path integrity, shielding, and connector placement)
• Familiarity with designing for radiation environments and space qualification processes
• Proficiency with constraint‑driven design, stackup development, and controlled impedance routing
• Experience with thermal/mechanical analysis coordination for layout decisions
• Prior experience designing layouts for space‑rated programs, including DoD, NASA, or commercial LEO/GEO missions

Benefits & Compensation

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00. The company also offers health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, paid time off, and potential overtime or bonus opportunities.

EEO Statement

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.