Full-Time

Staff Engineer Digital Communications

Posted on 7/4/2025

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

10,001+ employees

Aerospace and defense technology solutions provider

Compensation Overview

$188.2k - $282.2k/yr

+ Overtime + Shift Differential + Discretionary Bonus + Annual Bonus + Long Term Incentives

Senior, Expert

San Diego, CA, USA

In Person

Relocation assistance may be available.

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Electrical Engineering
Telecommunications Engineering
Required Skills
MATLAB
Simulink
FPGA
Requirements
  • 12 Years with Bachelors Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with specialty in Digital Communications; 10 Years with Masters; 8 Years with PhD.
  • Experience in the design and development of digital communications systems including modulation, signal & receiver design, noise processes, detection, equalization, coding, synchronization, and multi-access communications
  • Experience in Link budget development, modeling, and testing
  • Matlab and Simulink modeling of digital comms systems and algorithms experience
  • Hands-on experience in Digital Communications within the last 3 years
  • Experience with leading teams through product implementation or demonstration
  • A final DoD Secret clearance is required to start with ability to obtain higher level clearances. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD clearance is required.
Responsibilities
  • Responsible for research, design, and development for digital designs associated with multi-function software defined radios, as well as automated test equipment
  • Work with evaluation boards to test proposed designs
  • Support the implementation of digital FPGA hardware architecture and algorithms
  • Collaborate with Systems Engineering to ensure firmware design meets system level requirements
  • Review designs and analysis
  • Proven ability to drive complex technical problems to closure
  • Proven ability to lead product delivery
  • May lead a team of technical engineers
Desired Qualifications
  • Optimization of Matlab or Simulink code generated HDL and porting to FPGAs or ASICs
  • Open air and/or flight testing of advanced communication systems
  • Active/Current DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI
  • Experience with Military Waveforms
  • Waveform Algorithm Design and Decomposition
  • Waveform ASIC Development

Northrop Grumman provides advanced aerospace and defense technology solutions, focusing on areas such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and space operations. The company develops and integrates complex systems that support government and commercial clients, particularly the U.S. Department of Defense and international allies. Its products and services include command and control systems, surveillance technologies, and logistics support, all designed to enhance national security and operational effectiveness. Northrop Grumman stands out from competitors by leveraging its extensive research and development capabilities and maintaining a strong track record in securing long-term contracts through competitive bidding. The company's goal is to lead in the aerospace and defense sector by continuously innovating and delivering comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Founded

1939

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing demand for autonomous systems boosts Northrop Grumman's market opportunities.
  • Increased investments in space technologies align with Northrop Grumman's capabilities.
  • Rising cyber threats create opportunities for expanding cybersecurity offerings.

What critics are saying

  • Emerging defense tech companies pose competitive threats to market share.
  • Geopolitical tensions may shift defense spending priorities unpredictably.
  • Global supply chain volatility could lead to production delays and cost increases.

What makes Northrop Grumman unique

  • Northrop Grumman excels in autonomous systems, cyber, and space technologies.
  • The company has a strong track record with government contracts and defense solutions.
  • Its diversified revenue streams across multiple segments ensure financial stability.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Performance Bonus

Company News

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Defense Here
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Forbes
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The Defense Post
Jun 10th, 2025
Northrop Grumman, Marshall Propose Next-Gen UK Ground-Based Air Defense

Northrop Grumman has partnered with Marshall to develop a proposal for the British Army's next-generation Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) program.