Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 21, 2026 · 7d ago
Baltimore, MD
In office
Full-time
Principal
$149K–$224K
8+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: No Description
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.
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 - $223,900.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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