FPGA Design Engineer - Defense Systems (Secret Clearance)

ngc; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 96,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking an FPGA Design Engineer to drive full life-cycle development from concept through production and field support in Rolling Meadows, IL. The role emphasizes digital design, high-speed interfaces, and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

The candidate should have a STEM degree with 2+ years of digital electronics experience or a Master’s in STEM, plus hands-on FPGA prototyping and experience with DOORS/ClearCase/ClearQuest.

Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree in STEM with 2+ years of digital electronics design experience, or a Master’s in STEM.
• Digital circuit design experience including simulation and schematic capture through test and integration.
• Hands-on prototyping and debug experience with FPGA or embedded processors and high-speed interfaces.
• US Citizenship and interim Secret Clearance required before start.

Responsibilities

• Lead full product development life cycle from concept to production and field support.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and program management teams.
• Utilize FPGA technologies from Xilinx, Altera, and Actel with high-speed interfaces and DSP capabilities.
• Support RF/EO DSP, data links, embedded processing and system integration.

Skills

Digital circuit design

Prototype & debug

Small-team leadership

Requirements translation

Education

Bachelors in STEM with 2+ years experience

Master's in STEM

Tools

DOORS

ClearCase

ClearQuest

Cadence Concept

Allegro

Mentor DxDesigner

Expedition

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking an FPGA Design Engineer to drive full life-cycle development from concept through production and field support in Rolling Meadows, IL. The role emphasizes digital design, high-speed interfaces, and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

The candidate should have a STEM degree with 2+ years of digital electronics experience or a Master’s in STEM, plus hands-on FPGA prototyping and experience with DOORS/ClearCase/ClearQuest.