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
- Mission‑Driven Work: Directly contribute to systems that safeguard nations and support critical national‑security objectives
- Rapid Growth Environment: Play a pivotal role on fast‑moving programs that are expanding quickly, giving you ownership and visibility
- Cross‑Functional Influence: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply‑chain teams, and become a trusted advisor to senior leadership and external partners
We are seeking cleared or clearable 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.
This position can be filled at the Engineer or the Principal Engineer level.
Basic Qualifications Engineer level:
- BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 2 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 0 years of experience
- US Citizenship is required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
- Basic understanding of MATLAB or Python, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
- Basic understanding of SW (embedded, AI/ML) or FPGA design
Basic Qualifications Principal Engineer:
- BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 5 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 3 years of experience
- US Citizenship is required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
- Basic understanding of MATLAB or Python, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
- Basic understanding of SW (embedded, AI/ML) or FPGA design
Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
- Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
- Experience in C/C++, Python, Embedded SW Design in Linux/UNIX environments
- Experience in FPGA design on low SWAP systems.
- Experience in Digital Communication Systems and RF signal processing chains
- Experience in applying AI/ML (e.g., deep learning, transformer, or reinforcement‑learning models) to signal‑processing techniques 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
- 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: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $113,900.00 - $170,900.00The 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.Skills Required
- BS in Electrical, Computer, or related Engineering with 2 years experience, OR MS with 0 years experience
- US Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance
- Basic understanding of MATLAB or Python with a Digital Signal Processing focus
- Basic understanding of software (embedded, AI/ML) or FPGA design
- Proficient with MATLAB (DSP focus)
- Experience in C/C++, Python, embedded SW design in Linux/UNIX environments
- Experience in FPGA design on low SWAP systems
- Experience in Digital Communication Systems and RF signal processing chains
- Experience applying AI/ML (deep learning, transformer, reinforcement learning) to signal-processing with real-time deployment emphasis
- Experience in GPU development (CUDA, OpenCL, or Vulkan) for real-time signal-processing
- 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
- Active Top Secret security clearance
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
