Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for an FPGA Digital Engineer to support the Electro-Optics (EO) Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
As a FPGA Design Engineer, you will collaborate with experienced FPGA engineers and cross-disciplinary teams (hardware, algorithms, software) to support the design, verification, and integration of FPGAs for advanced systems. This early-career role is focused on learning, developing foundational skills, and contributing to project deliverables under guidance.
Responsibilities:
- Work under supervision to assist senior FPGA engineers and multidisciplinary teams in resolving design and integration challenges.
- Participate in the development and execution of test benches to verify FPGA designs for functional and timing requirements.
- Support generating, verifying & integrating IO and image processing HDL modules. including functions definitions, HDL coding, module level sim and integration with overall device architecture
- Prepare, organize, and maintain design documentation, including schematics, simulation results, and verification reports with oversight.
- Support configuration management of FPGA bitstream builds as directed.
- Contribute to ensuring compliance with internal design standards throughout the development lifecycle.
- Continue developing technical knowledge of evolving FPGA technologies, tools, and industry methodologies.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree.
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance at the time of application.
- Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs, SoCs, or digital hardware (VHDL preferred, or Verilog).
- Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs (academic or project experience acceptable).
- Familiarity with managing design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and using development tools such as Vivado IDE.
- Exposure to the development, verification, or debugging of digital interfaces/buses (such as Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, SDLC) via coursework or projects.
- Familiarity with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic analyzers, oscilloscopes).
- Experience developing or running verification plans using simulation, analysis, or hardware bench testing from coursework or internships.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application.
- Direct experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high reliability, environmentally challenging electro optical applications (academic or internship).
- Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs/SoCs.
- Exposure to Vitis Unified IDE and memory interface standards (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5).
- Coursework or project experience with embedded C/C++ programming.
- Understanding of OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies.
- Interested in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline with 2 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Department of Defense Secret security clearance
- Internship, co-op, or academic project experience with FPGAs, SoCs, or digital hardware
- Experience with VHDL or Verilog
- Exposure to AMD Xilinx FPGAs and SoCs
- Familiarity with design constraints including timing, power, and I/O
- Experience using development tools such as Vivado IDE
- Exposure to developing, verifying, or debugging digital interfaces or buses such as Ethernet, PCIe, AXI4, UART, or SDLC
- Familiarity with Questa or ModelSim simulation tools, or logic analyzers and oscilloscopes
- Experience developing or executing verification plans through simulation, analysis, or hardware bench testing
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline
- Active U.S. Government Department of Defense Secret security clearance
- Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or high-reliability electro-optical applications
- Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs or SoCs
- Exposure to Vitis Unified IDE and DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5 memory interfaces
- Coursework or project experience with embedded C or C++ programming
- Understanding of OSVVM or UVM verification methodologies
- Interest in high-speed PCB design and signal integrity
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.









