Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.
The Ground Systems Development Department (part of Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector) in Manhattan Beach, CA is seeking a talented Principal Engineer Digital FPGA/Sr. Principal Engineer Digital FPGA (Level 3/4) to join our team in the development and integration of complex electronic test systems and electronic hardware units in support of space flight programs. This individual would act as a responsible design engineer (RDE) supporting digital development on our program.
The RDE responsibilities include FPGA and PCB: architecture design, detailed design, performing customer briefings/reviews, and hardware test. Primary deliverables are flight electronics test systems and satellite system operational ground-based hardware.
The candidate will perform designs in a team environment with other engineering functions, including Ground Hardware Engineering, Flight Hardware Engineering, Systems Engineering, Product Engineering, Software Engineering, Production, Procurement, and Program Management to meet schedule and technical requirements.
The ideal candidate has a broad range of experience with:
Design, integration, and test of Digital circuits
FPGA development
PCBs/CCA design
Electronic drawer/unit design
Small to large electronic subsystems
Some responsibilities include performing the following:
Detailed Digital analysis at the component level
FPGA design, functional simulation, and test vector creation
PCB/CCA design, development, test, and integration
Electronic Unit design, development, test, and integration
Electronic Test System (Test Set) design, development, test, and post-delivery support
Worst case performance analysis for critical Digital signals
Developing and presenting design reviews for internal and external customers
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
This position can be filled at level 3 or 4.
Basic Qualifications (Level 3):
Principal Engineer Digital FPGA
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or another STEM degree from an accredited institution and 5+ years of engineering experience; OR +3 years of engineering experience with a STEM Master's degree; OR 0+ years of experience with a STEM PhD. degree
Must have active SCI clearance (Required Day 1)
Basic Qualifications (Level 4):
Sr. Principal Engineer Digital FPGA
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or another STEM degree from an accredited institution and 9+ years of engineering experience; OR 7+ years of engineering experience with a STEM Master's degree; OR 4+ years of engineering experience with a STEM PhD. degree
Design and test experience in electronics or digital technology
Previous FPGA design experience
Must have active SCI clearance (Required Day 1)
Preferred Qualifications:
Design and test experience in Analog/RF and Digital technology
Master’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering from an accredited institution
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Active DOD, SCI, or SSBI clearance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or another STEM degree and 5+ years engineering experience OR Master's +3 years OR PhD +0 years (Level 3)
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering or another STEM degree and 9+ years engineering experience OR Master's +7 years OR PhD +4 years (Level 4)
- Must have active SCI clearance (Required Day 1)
- Design and test experience in electronics or digital technology
- Previous FPGA design experience
- PCB/CCA design, development, test, and integration experience
- Functional simulation and test vector creation experience
- U.S. Citizenship (required for positions with a government clearance)
- Design and test experience in Analog/RF and Digital technology
- Master's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Active DOD, SCI, or SSBI 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.
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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.






