At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support you by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer based out of Baltimore/Linthicum, MD.
The Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer is a core member of the Hardware Engineering team responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing digital circuit card assemblies. You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, test and teams to design, analyze, and test digital board designs, supporting a broad portfolio of defense grade products.
What You’ll Get to Do
Design – Perform component placement, layout, routing, schematic development for complex high speed digital and mixed signal circuit card assemblies. Act as the lead on the CCA design, coordinating across various functions to ensure a sound design
Model and analyze– Model the routing of the hardware using various software tools and run signal and power integrity simulations to analyze performance of the design
Test – Perform DVT (design, verification, test) of hardware to assess performance of the designs. Debug and troubleshoot issues in the lab
Mentor junior designers – Provide guidance on best practices, standards, and the overall design process
This position is contingent on the successful transfer of an Active US Government Secret clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer
Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of experience, master’s degree with 6 years of experience, Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
U.S Citizenship is required.
A current/active U.S Government Secret clearance
8 years of experience translating system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design documentation, and test specifications.
8 years of experience with digital circuitry and design, including schematic creation, support to fabrication and assembly, and troubleshooting of digital hardware.
Preferred Qualifications for Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer
Expert working knowledge of the Mentor Xpedition software suite.
Experience with high‑speed digital design (≥5 Gbps) or RF/microwave PCB design.
Demonstrated success working in collaborative, fast paced development teams.
Expert written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting technical concepts to cross functional teams.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00The 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
- U.S. Citizenship
- Current/active U.S. Government Secret clearance (transfer required prior to start)
- Bachelor's degree with 8 years experience (Master's with 6 years, Ph.D. with 4 years) or equivalent experience
- 8 years translating system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design documentation, and test specifications
- 8 years experience with digital circuitry and design, including schematic creation, support to fabrication and assembly, and troubleshooting digital hardware
- Experience performing signal and power integrity analysis and running related simulations
- Experience performing hardware DVT, debugging, and lab troubleshooting
- Expert working knowledge of the Mentor Xpedition software suite
- Experience with high-speed digital design (>=5 Gbps) or RF/microwave PCB design
- Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills
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.
