Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineer

Northrop Grumman; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 142,200 - 213,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 Schedule

Relocation Assistance

Bonus Eligibility

Job summary

Northrop Grumman – Cincinnati (Xetron) seeks Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineers to develop cutting-edge algorithms in MATLAB or CUDA/OpenCL, and in Python/C++ for Linux/Windows environments.

Ideal candidates have deep DSP knowledge, RF signal processing experience, and a track record of delivering complex digital processing solutions in a defense context. Top Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in Electrical or Computer Engineering with relevant experience.
• US Citizenship required and ability to obtain Top-Secret clearance.
• Proficient with MATLAB and DSP-focused skills; FPGA or embedded software experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop cutting-edge DSP algorithms in MATLAB or CUDA/OpenCL, Python, C/C++ on Linux/Windows.
• Contribute to RF signal processing chains, digital communications and modulation techniques.
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams to deliver advanced capabilities.

Skills

MATLAB

Digital Signal Processing

C/C++

Python

Embedded SW

FPGA design

Education

BS in Electrical or Computer Eng

MS in Electrical or Computer Eng

PhD in Electrical or Computer Eng

Tools

Verilog/VHDL

Questa/ModelSim

Xilinx/Intel FPGAs

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionAt 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 – Cincinnati (aka Xetron) is part of the Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It\'s that kind of place! But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos like “This company is insanely advanced” and “Wow. This is mind blowing.” See some of our recent Awards and Recognition and read about some of the reasons to live in Cincinnati.
Why This Role Is Exciting
We are seeking cleared or clearable Sr. Principal Digital Signal Processing Engineers who are self-motivated, energetic individuals who will be responsible for developing cutting edge algorithms in MATLAB or other programming languages such as CUDA/OpenCL, Python, C/C++ in Linux/UNIX or Windows environments. The preferred candidate will have experience with various Signal Processing algorithms both in time and frequency domains, understanding of Digital Communication Systems and various modulation techniques as well as RF signal processing chains and link budgets.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineers Contribute To a Broad Range Of Applications With Exposure To a Variety Of Programs And Technologies That Provide Critical Solutions To US Government Intelligence Agencies And The Department Of Defense. Practical Experience In Any Of These Fields Is Highly Desired
RADAR (SAR/ISAR)

LPI/LPD waveforms

EW techniques

Software Defined Radios (SDRs)

Image Processing and AI/ML techniques

As a DSP Engineer at Northrop Grumman – Xetron, you will be part of a cross-discipline, highly seasoned and talented team with experience in state-of-the-art RF, Antenna Design, DSP, Digital Hardware Design and Cyber Software Design, amongst others. We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, on the ground, air and space.
Basic Qualifications

• BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 8 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 6 years of experience, OR PhD Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 4 years of experience
• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
• Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Proficient in SW (Embedded, applications, AI/ML) or FPGA design
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Proficient in C/C++, Python, Embedded SW Design in Linux/UNIX environments
• Proficient in FPGA design on low SWAP systems.
• Basic understanding of Digital Communication Systems and RF signal processing chains
• Experience applying AI/ML (e.g., deep learning, transformer, or reinforcement‑learning models) to signal‑processing techniques such as denoising, classification, source separation, or anomaly detection, with emphasis on real‑time deployment and performance optimization.
• Experience in GPU Development (CUDA, OpenCL, or Vulkan) for real-time signal-processing workloads.
• Experience in Embedded Development in SoCs or DSPs
• Experience with VHDL (preferred) or Verilog
• Experience with HDL verification tools, such as Questa® or Modelsim®
• Experience with Xilinx, Altera (Intel) or Microsemi FPGAs
• Experience as a technical lead
• Active Top Secret security clearance

This position offers the option of a 9/80 work schedule. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,200.00
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.