Engineer/ Principal Engineer Software - FPGA Developer

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in El Segundo, CA seeks a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer to design, implement, verify, and optimize high-performance FPGA-based hardware for a range of military applications. Onsite work with a diverse team across cutting-edge technologies is required.

The role emphasizes HDL design, simulations, place‑and‑route, Lab/SIL integration, and FPGA‑SoC code to enable end-to-end functionality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline with 2 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s in STEM with 0 years of experience.
• Principal Software Engineer requires 5 years with Bachelor’s, or 3 years with Master, or PhD with 0+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain final adjudicated Secret clearance.
• Proven FPGA development experience for DSP/data-processing applications.
• Experience in running simulations and place-and-route; lab/SIL integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop FPGA designs for DSP and data-processing applications.
• Perform FPGA simulations and verify functional correctness.
• Execute place-and-route flows and optimize timing.
• Integrate and test systems in lab environments and SILs.
• Incorporate FPGA-SoC code to enable end-to-end functionality.

Skills

FPGA development

DSP/data-processing

Lab/SIL integration

FPGA-SoC code

HDL design

Verification methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM

Master’s Degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Simulation tools

Place-and-route tools

Lab equipment

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer position to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in El Segundo, CA. This position will be a key member of the RAD team.

Accomplish

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a skilled FPGA Developer to design, implement, verify, and optimize high-performance digital hardware for a range of military applications. The ideal candidate will have strong proficiency in hardware description languages, a solid understanding of digital design theory, and hands-on experience with FPGA development tools and verification methodologies. You will support the application of cutting-edge commercial technologies—such as 5G communications, machine learning, and emerging wireless solutions to operational military use cases, enabling advanced battle-management capabilities.

• Develop FPGA designs for digital signal processing and data processing.
• Perform FPGA simulations and verify functional correctness.
• Execute place-and-route flows and optimize timing.
• Integrate and test systems in lab environments and SILs.
• Incorporate FPGA-SoC code to enable end-to-end functionality.

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Software Engineer: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering
• Principal Software Engineer: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with at least 0 years of experience
• Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final adjudicated Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
• Proven experience in:
  • FPGA development for DSP and data-processing applications.
  • Running simulations and performing place-and-route.
  • Lab/SIL integration and system bring-up.
  • Integrating FPGA-SoC code to enable the device.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing Active In Scope Government Clearance
• M.S. or Ph.D. in a related field.
• Knowledge of machine-learning accelerator design.
• Hands-on board bring-up, PCB layout review, and timing closure on multi-die platforms.

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being of all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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.

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.