RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
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.
Embark on a career supporting cutting-edge space systems as part of Northrop Grumman's Tactical Space Division. We are seeking a Sr. Principal ECAD Engineer specializing in PCB layout design to join our growing team of qualified, diverse professionals in Dulles, VA.
In this role, you will focus exclusively on board-level layout responsibilities-this is not a schematic design position. You will work closely with design engineers to implement high-reliability, multilayer circuit boards for spaceflight hardware, applying best practices and aerospace standards. If you're passionate about layout precision, spaceflight reliability, and pushing design boundaries, this is your mission.
Key Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end PCB layout process using Cadence Allegro PCB Designer.
Develop multilayer, high-density interconnect (HDI) and controlled impedance layouts optimized for space environments.
Create and maintain PCB symbols, footprints, and padstacks in accordance with internal library standards.
Work closely with electrical and mechanical engineer to ensure layout meets electrical, mechanical, and thermal constraints.
Implement high-speed routing techniques including differential pairs, length tuning, and EMI/EMC compliance practices.
Support RF and mixed-signal layout requirements, including:
Controlled impedance and matched-length RF signal traces
Proper isolation and grounding strategies for RF sections
Minimization of parasitic effects, signal loss, and coupling across layers
Placement and routing for connectors, antennas, or filters used in RF paths
Incorporate blind/buried vias, microvias, and stackup design for rigid/flex and complex assemblies.
Generate fabrication (Gerber, ODB++) and assembly files, release documentation, and participate in design reviews.
Apply NASA-STD-8739 and IPC-2221/2222 layout standards for space-rated hardware.
Participate in DFM/DFX reviews with manufacturing partners to ensure layout readiness for fabrication and assembly.
Collaborate with engineers to define layout constraints, clearance rules, and placement strategies.
Drive quality through internal peer reviews, ECAD checklist adherence, and continuous layout optimization.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 9+ years of PCB layout experience.
Proven experience with Cadence Allegro PCB Designer in an aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability environment.
Experience with creating and managing ECAD libraries (symbols/footprints).
Demonstrated expertise in multilayer board layout with signal integrity and power integrity in mind.
U.S. Citizenship.
Demonstrated leadership in layout design for flight boards or mission-critical systems.
Experience with IPC CID or CID+ certification or equivalent layout training.
Preferred Qualifications
IPC CID or CID+ Certification.
Experience with NASA-STD-8739.x, IPC-6012, and ECSS standards.
Experience with RF layout best practices (e.g., maintaining return path integrity, shielding, and connector placement).
Familiarity with designing for radiation environments and space qualification processes.
Proficiency with constraint-driven design, stackup development, and controlled impedance routing.
Experience with thermal/mechanical analysis coordination for layout decisions.
Prior experience designing layouts for space-rated programs including DoD, NASA, or commercial LEO/GEO missions.
Why Join Us?
The Tactical Space Division works on groundbreaking missions including NASA's Artemis program, GEO/MEO/LEO satellites, and advanced scientific payloads. As part of our team, you'll shape the backbone of hardware flying beyond Earth.
Northrop Grumman offers flexible schedules (including 9/80), competitive benefits, career development opportunities, and a culture of inclusion and innovation.
Explore your future-design what goes to space.
Primary Level Salary Range: $137,400.00 - $206,000.00
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.
