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, FPGA Engineers to contribute to our sensor, communication, and cyber systems in Cincinnati, OH!
Engineers here are part of multi-disciplinary program teams implementing next-generation, specialized communication systems and sensing systems critical to US intelligence customers and allies. Team members conduct all phases of these programs, including requirements generation, hardware-selection, software development, and system integration and test. Programs at Northrop Grumman in Cincinnati are engineering intensive, rapid-schedule jobs for diverse SIGINT/EW and Cyber applications. Research and solve problems in the areas of advanced waveform development, low size, weight, and power (low SWaP) processing systems, specialized space communication payloads, and persistent signal surveillance systems.
Our employees take advantage of Northrop Grumman’s flexible work arrangements, including 9/80 and 4/10 schedules. We offer training and learning opportunities supporting technical and personal growth in all business areas that benefit our customers. Northrop Grumman offers competitive benefits including 401k matching!
Are you seeking a challenging role with a strong team? Come define possible with us in Cincinnati!
This position can be filled a the Engineer or Principal Engineer level.
Basic Qualifications Engineer level (level 2):
- BS degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 2 years of relevant experience; or MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 0 years of experience
- VHDL or Verilog proficiency is required
- US Citizenship is required
- Active Secret clearance and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
Basic Qualifications Principal Engineer level (level 3):
- BS degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 5 years of relevant experience; or MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 3 years of experience
- VHDL or Verilog proficiency is required
- US Citizenship is required
- Active Secret clearance and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications both levels:
- Experience on cross discipline teamsAdvanced Knowledge in VHDL
- Experience implementing designs with a variety of FPGA manufacturers (Xilinx, Microsemi, Lattice, Intel/Altera)
- Experience simulating VHDL designs, ModelSim, QuestaSim or comparable simulatorsProficient with MATLAB/Octave
- Experience with GNU Radio or software-defined radios
- Experience with wireless digital communication systems, in particular modern digital modulation techniques and modem design
- Familiarity with RADAR and EW signal processing algorithms
- Familiarity with RF receiver development, including system link budget and sensitivity analysis, ADC and receiver noise analysis, and baseband conversion and processing
- Active Top Secret security clearance with SCIProficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 2 years of relevant experience for Engineer level
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 0 years of experience for Engineer level
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 5 years of relevant experience for Principal Engineer level
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 3 years of experience for Principal Engineer level
- Proficiency in VHDL or Verilog
- U.S. citizenship
- Active Secret clearance and ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Experience working on cross-disciplinary teams
- Advanced knowledge of VHDL
- Experience implementing designs with Xilinx, Microsemi, Lattice, Intel, or Altera FPGAs
- Experience simulating VHDL designs using ModelSim, QuestaSim, or comparable simulators
- Proficiency with MATLAB or Octave
- Experience with GNU Radio or software-defined radios
- Experience with wireless digital communication systems, modern digital modulation techniques, and modem design
- Familiarity with RADAR and electronic warfare signal-processing algorithms
- Familiarity with RF receiver development, link-budget and sensitivity analysis, ADC and receiver-noise analysis, and baseband processing
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI
- MATLAB proficiency with a digital signal-processing focus
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.









