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.
AccomplishNorthrop 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.
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.
At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off 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.
If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years related engineering experience OR Master's in STEM and 0 years (Software Engineer level)
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years related engineering experience OR Master's in STEM and 3 years OR PhD in STEM (Principal Software Engineer level)
- Ability to obtain, transfer, and maintain a Secret security clearance and required program access as determined by the company
- Proven experience in FPGA development for DSP and data-processing applications
- Experience running FPGA simulations and performing place-and-route and timing optimization
- Experience with lab and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) integration and system bring-up
- Experience integrating FPGA-SoC code for end-to-end device functionality
- 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
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.
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