Principal Design Engineer CMOS Design Engineer – RF / Mixed-Signal

Posted 8 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
114K-171K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Design, simulate, and verify RF and mixed-signal CMOS ICs for space payloads. Perform transistor-level architecture, SPICE simulations, PVT/Monte Carlo/noise analyses, and partner with layout. Support integration, design reviews, silicon bring-up, lab characterization, test planning, and technical documentation to meet performance, power, area, and radiation-tolerance goals.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding **

Summary
Seeking a CMOS Design Engineer to design and verify RF and mixed-signal integrated circuits for space payload applications. The engineer will contribute to transistor-level design, simulation, and silicon validation of radiation-tolerant, high-reliability ICs.

Responsibilities

  • Design, simulate, and verify RF / mixed-signal CMOS circuits (e.g., LNAs, mixers, PLLs, ADCs, DACs, bias/reference circuits) for space payloads.

  • Develop transistor-level architectures and implement designs using industry-standard EDA tools (e.g., Cadence Virtuoso).

  • Perform PVT corner, Monte Carlo, and noise analyses; support trade studies to meet performance, area, power, and radiation-tolerance goals.

  • Partner with layout engineers on floorplanning, parasitic optimization, and DRC/LVS closure.

  • Support top-level integration, design reviews, and technical documentation.

  • Participate in silicon bring-up, lab characterization, and debug; assist in defining test plans and data analysis.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 5+ years of relevant CMOS design experience; or Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant CMOS design experience; or PhD with 0–2 years of relevant CMOS design experience.

  • Hands-on transistor-level CMOS RF and/or mixed-signal IC design experience.

  • Proficiency with SPICE-based simulation and Cadence (or similar) analog/RF design tools.

  • Solid understanding of analog/RF fundamentals (noise, linearity, stability, matching, layout‑dependent effects).

  • Experience with verification methods such as PVT corner and Monte Carlo analysis.

  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience designing ICs for space, radiation-tolerant, or other high-reliability environments.

  • Background in RF front ends, data converters, PLLs, or clock generation for space payloads.

  • Experience with lab validation tools (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, probe stations).

  • Familiarity with digital–analog interfaces and mixed-signal verification flows.

  • Experience with heterogeneous integration approaches

  • Active security clearance 

**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding **

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

The 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 Electrical Engineering (or related) with 5+ years relevant CMOS design experience; or Master's degree with 3+ years; or PhD with 0-2 years.
  • Hands-on transistor-level CMOS RF and/or mixed-signal IC design experience.
  • Proficiency with SPICE-based simulation and Cadence (or similar) analog/RF design tools.
  • Solid understanding of analog/RF fundamentals (noise, linearity, stability, matching, layout-dependent effects).
  • Experience with verification methods such as PVT corner and Monte Carlo analysis.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams.
  • Experience designing ICs for space, radiation-tolerant, or other high-reliability environments.
  • Background in RF front ends, data converters, PLLs, or clock generation for space payloads.
  • Experience with lab validation tools (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, probe stations).
  • Familiarity with digital-analog interfaces and mixed-signal verification flows.
  • Experience with heterogeneous integration approaches.
  • Active 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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