Principal Engineer Electronics

Posted Yesterday
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El Segundo, CA, USA
In-Office
92K-171K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Designs, develops, integrates, tests, and qualifies advanced hardware subsystems for tactical applications. Responsibilities include decomposing systems into CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, and software; defining performance, interface, voltage, signaling, and cabling requirements; conducting laboratory integration with electronic test equipment; interpreting system requirements; performing technical reviews; and collaborating with systems, software, digital engineering, and integration teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

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.

We are seeking an Engineer / Principal Research and Advanced Design Hardware Engineer to support a research area associated with our key lab environment within the Battlespace Architecture Systems and Technology (BAST) organization. The program technologies include 5G/NextG communications, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and future wireless technologies in support of tactical applications for the warfighter. The position is located in El Segundo, CA, Telecommute/remote is not an option for this position. This position’s standard work schedule is 9/80, to allow employees every other Friday off.

Responsibilities will include working through all phases of the Hardware development cycle including design, development, integration, and test. The selected individual will conduct peer reviews of Hardware-related products, hardware designs, and additional technical documents. Successful candidates are expected to be able to understand system requirements and how they apply to system design. Individuals must be self-starters and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individual will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels

• Participate in the full hardware development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of hardware products to our customers

• Define subsystem functional decomposition into CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs, and software

• Define processor capabilities such as Gbps, latencies, throughputs

• Define subsystem interface requirements, voltage levels, and suitable cabling

• Perform integration activities including laboratory setup, cabling and integration with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, synthesizers

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams – including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Software, and Integration & Test

• Interpret and apply system requirements to system design and implementation, ensuring defined completion criteria are met

Basic Qualifications:

• Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM discipline and 2 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 0 years of experience

• Principal: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 3 years of experience

• Experience with subsystem functional decomposition into hardware components (e.g., CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs) and software components

• Experience with hardware component and subsystem performance concepts such as Gbps, latencies, and throughput, and ability to support definition of related requirements

• Experience defining, implementing, and testing hardware interfaces (e.g. voltage levels, signaling standards, and selection of suitable cabling/connectors) suitable for use on Department of War (DOW) platforms

• Experience integrating and testing in a laboratory environment: bench/rack setup, cabling, and use of test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators/synthesizers

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively on a multi-disciplinary team

• Active DoD Secret clearance (background investigation completed within the last 6 years)

• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Top Secret Clearance and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

• Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with standard digital and/or mixed-signal interfaces (e.g., LVDS, Ethernet, PCIe, serial links, or similar)

• Familiarity with FPGA development

• Familiarity with developing and maintaining indentured parts lists and/or bill of materials at the subsystem and system level

• Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, UDP, TCP)

• Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience

• Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues

• Active DoD Top Secret (TS) security clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00Secondary 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, computer engineering, or related STEM discipline with 2 years of relevant experience for Engineer level
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM discipline with 0 years of experience for Engineer level
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience for Principal level
  • Master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related STEM discipline with 3 years of experience for Principal level
  • Experience decomposing subsystems into hardware components such as CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs, plus software components
  • Experience with hardware performance concepts including Gbps, latency, and throughput
  • Experience defining, implementing, and testing hardware interfaces, voltage levels, signaling standards, cabling, and connectors
  • Laboratory hardware integration and testing experience using bench or rack setups, cabling, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators or synthesizers
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams
  • Active DoD Secret clearance with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access or SAP/PAR
  • Familiarity with digital or mixed-signal interfaces including LVDS, Ethernet, PCIe, and serial links
  • Familiarity with FPGA development
  • Familiarity with maintaining indentured parts lists or bills of materials
  • Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, UDP, and TCP communication protocols
  • Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience
  • Ability to debug complex integrated applications or test setup issues
  • Active DoD Top Secret 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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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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