The Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center (NGMC) of Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Microelectronics Layout & Process Design Kit (PDK) Engineer for our Space Park Foundry Lab (SPF) located in Manhattan Beach, California - where we design, manufacture, and test semiconductor products for internal and commercial production customers as well as emerging technology programs.
Northrop Grumman’s SPF is a unique capability supporting a range of compound microelectronic devices (Gallium Arsenide, Gallium Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Indium Phosphide) and providing leading-edge technology development in microelectronics. Our devices enable several Northrop Grumman’s ground-based radars, avionic radars, and space systems. Join us for the chance to work with an amazing, experienced, and talented team while helping serve your country. Enjoy the opportunity to grow and learn with a variety of challenging projects in R&D, ongoing long-term programs, and new programs targeting future commercial and military platforms. Our multidisciplinary foundry team enables activities from development to sustainment process engineering. SPF is responsible for all aspects of semiconductor technology including design, mask making, wafer fabrication, test, and assembly. The candidate must be a strong team participant, have excellent communication skills, and be resourceful and multitalented.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop Process Design Kits (PDKs) across multiple platforms (ADS, AWR, Cadence)
Support model development and integration into PDKs
Create DRC, LVS runsets across multiple platforms (ADS, AWR, Cadence)
Create scripts and automated flows to improve our mask layout and PDK infrastructure
Create Mask Layouts using Cadence
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or other related STEM discipline with 2 years of relevant experience (0 years with a Master’s degree).
Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools
Experience with Process Design Kit (PDK) development
Has a programming background
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
US Citizenship Required
Preferred Qualifications:
Mask layout experience
SKILL or AEL programming experience
ADS or AWR PDK Development experience
ADS, AWR, Calibre, or Assura DRC and LVS Development experience
Semiconductor Device Modeling experience
RF Design experience
Leadership or mentorship experience
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Physics or related STEM with 2 years relevant experience (0 years with Master's)
- Experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools
- Experience with Process Design Kit (PDK) development
- Has a programming background
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
- US Citizenship required
- Mask layout experience
- SKILL or AEL programming experience
- ADS or AWR PDK development experience
- ADS, AWR, Calibre, or Assura DRC and LVS development experience
- Semiconductor device modeling experience
- RF design experience
- Leadership or mentorship experience
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.








