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Staff Digital Design Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP

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.

Explore a career engineering what’s possible as a Digital Design Engineer in San Diego, CA.

What You'll Get to Do:

Our Advanced Digital Engineering organization creates the next generation of communications and signal processing systems and will take ideas from concept to working systems aboard the world’s most advanced platforms. We bring design to life in our San Diego labs and have on-site advanced manufacturing just minutes from the beach Southern California is famous.

As an Electrical/ Digital Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have an opportunity to be a part of an organization that is collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. 

We’re asking: are you ready to challenge the impossible and define possible? If you have hands-on experience in FPGA Development with VHDL, apply today.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for research, design, and development for digital designs associated with multi-function software defined radios, as well as automated test equipment
  • Work with evaluation boards to test proposed designs
  • Support the implementation of digital FPGA hardware architecture and algorithms
  • Collaborate with Systems Engineering to ensure firmware design meets system level requirements
  • Review designs and analysis
  • Proven ability to drive complex technical problems to closure
  • Proven ability to lead product delivery
  • May lead a team of Digital VHDL engineers

This position is contingent upon program award and final clearance.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 14 years of relevant professional experience with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline; 12 years with Masters; 9 years with a PhD
  • Hands-on experience in VHDL within the last 3 years
  • Experience with AMD/Xilinx 7 (Zynq, Kintex and Ultrascale) or Versal family of devices.
  • Experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tools: Vivado and QuestaSim.
  • Experience with leading teams through product implementation or demonstration
  • Clearance: A final DoD Secret clearance is required to start with ability to obtain higher level clearances.
  • US Citizenship is required in order to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with leading and mentoring a team
  • Experience with DSP, MATLAB, and SimuLink
  • Experience with VHDL design for Software Defined Radios
  • Experience with the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Tool, Quartus.
  • Knowledgeable Experience in FPGA physical constraints and achieving timing closure.
  • Experience with board or system level debug using test equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
  • Generation of Test Benches and support of formal VHDL Verification
  • Active/Current DoD Secret Clearance or higher level

MSSDEAS

Salary Range: $181,400.00 - $272,200.00

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.

Average salary estimate

$226800 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$181400K
$272200K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff Digital Design Engineer, ngc

Join Northrop Grumman as a Staff Digital Design Engineer in sunny San Diego, CA, where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping revolutionary communication and signal processing systems. Here, innovation is at the core of our operations—the kind of innovation that has redefined history from stealth bombers to lunar landings. As you immerse yourself in our collaborative culture, you'll bring designs to life, leverage your expertise in FPGA Development with VHDL, and lead a dedicated team of engineers. Your responsibilities will include researching and developing multi-function software-defined radios, working hands-on with evaluation boards, and supporting the implementation of complex FPGA hardware architectures. You’ll also collaborate closely with Systems Engineering to ensure that firmware designs meet comprehensive system-level requirements. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with AMD/Xilinx devices and a solid grasp of Electronic Design Automation tools. While we seek individuals ready to tackle tough challenges and drive technical solutions, we also value a culture that promotes teamwork and continuous learning. Encourage your creativity and intellectual curiosity with us—apply today and be part of something great!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Digital Design Engineer Role at ngc
What are the main responsibilities of a Staff Digital Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

As a Staff Digital Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman, your main responsibilities include researching, designing, and developing digital systems for software-defined radios, testing designs using evaluation boards, and supporting FPGA hardware architecture implementation. You'll collaborate with Systems Engineering to ensure all firmware meets required specifications while potentially leading a team of engineers through product delivery.

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What qualifications are needed for the Staff Digital Design Engineer position at Northrop Grumman?

To qualify for the Staff Digital Design Engineer position at Northrop Grumman, you need a Bachelor's degree in a relevant STEM discipline along with a significant amount of professional experience—14 years with a Bachelor's, 12 with a Master's, or 9 with a PhD. Hands-on experience with VHDL, familiarity with AMD/Xilinx devices, and competence in Electronic Design Automation tools are also key requirements.

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Is relocation assistance offered for the Staff Digital Design Engineer role at Northrop Grumman?

Yes, relocation assistance may be available for candidates who accept the Staff Digital Design Engineer position at Northrop Grumman. The company understands that moving can be a big decision and aims to provide support to help you make a smooth transition to San Diego, CA.

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What is the salary range for a Staff Digital Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

The salary range for a Staff Digital Design Engineer at Northrop Grumman is between $181,400.00 and $272,200.00. The final salary offered is determined based on a variety of factors including experience, education, and the specific responsibilities associated with the position.

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What benefits does Northrop Grumman offer to its Staff Digital Design Engineers?

Northrop Grumman offers a robust benefits package for its Staff Digital Design Engineers, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, paid holidays, and opportunities for annual bonuses based on individual contributions. Additionally, employees in leadership positions may be eligible for long-term incentives.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Digital Design Engineer
Can you describe your experience with FPGA Development and VHDL?

When discussing your experience with FPGA Development and VHDL, focus on specific projects where you've utilized these skills. Highlight the outcomes of your designs, any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Ensure to mention any relevant tools you've used, such as Vivado or QuestaSim, to help paint a picture of your technical proficiency.

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How do you approach troubleshooting complex digital designs?

When troubleshooting digital designs, it's essential to follow a methodical approach. Discuss your process for diagnosing issues, including testing components, reviewing documentation, and using debugging tools. Providing examples from past experiences can demonstrate your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities effectively.

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What strategies do you use for collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams is crucial. Mention your communication strategies, such as regular updates, using collaborative tools, and setting clear expectations. Illustrate this with examples of past experiences where collaboration led to successful project outcomes.

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Can you explain a challenging project you led and how you delivered results?

In answering this question, describe a project that highlights your leadership skills. Discuss the challenges faced, your role in steering the project, and the strategies you implemented to achieve successful outcomes. Focus on measurable results to provide a compelling narrative.

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What tools and techniques do you rely on for VHDL design verification?

Explain the tools and techniques you employ for VHDL design verification, such as simulations with test benches or formal verification methods. Sharing experiences where specific verification techniques led to improved design accuracy can showcase your attention to detail and technical knowledge.

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How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in digital design?

Mention your commitment to continuous learning—whether through professional courses, workshops, or industry publications. Sharing specific examples of recent trends you've explored or technologies you've implemented shows your proactive approach to staying relevant in the field.

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What role does system-level thinking play in your design process?

Discuss the importance of system-level thinking by emphasizing how it informs your design choices and impacts overall project success. Provide examples of how considering system-level requirements has influenced your approach to design and implementation.

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How do you mentor junior engineers in your team?

Highlight your mentoring style and how you provide guidance to junior engineers. Discuss specific examples of how you've facilitated their learning, whether through hands-on training, pairing on projects, or encouraging participation in critical discussions to build their confidence and skills.

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Describe how you handle tight project deadlines in your work.

In discussing tight deadlines, focus on your time management strategies and ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Provide examples of instances where you met expectations under pressure, perhaps by reallocating resources or facilitating clear communication within your team.

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What do you feel is the most exciting aspect of working as a Digital Design Engineer?

Share your passion for digital design and the excitement it brings. Whether it's the innovative projects you've worked on or the potential for impact in your field, conveying genuine enthusiasm can illustrate your commitment and mindset as a Digital Design Engineer.

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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 19, 2025

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