Sr. Principal Design Engineer

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

No clearance required for start. Clearance type:
Secret.

Travel is required: 10% of the time.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems provides mission‑enabling solutions for global security. The Design Layout Technology team supports engineering and sciences across product lines. As a Senior Principal Design Engineer you will use your expertise in CCA and PCB fabrication to generate and maintain design rules, perform design for manufacturing checks, and serve as the main interface with suppliers.

This role is based in Rolling Meadows, IL. It may also consider hybrid work with other Northrop Grumman Mission Systems locations including Amherst, NY;
Apopka, FL;
Charlottesville, VA;
Sykesville, MD; and Annapolis, MD.

The Sr. Principal Design Engineer uses their expert knowledge in Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication to generate and maintain design rules, perform design for manufacturing checks, generate PCB notes for fabrication, calculate layer stack‑up based on industry standards, supplier capabilities, and engineering requirements, and utilize computer‑aided design graphic tools such as Cadence Allegro and Valor NPI to produce required electronic data file outputs for fabrication and manufacturing.

They run design for manufacturing checks and serve as the main interface with CCA and PCB suppliers. They understand the electrical and mechanical behavior of PCBs and influence layout decisions, including impedance matching, differential pairs, strain and stress management, and component orientation.

• Bachelor's degree in STEM field with 8 years of experience, or Master's degree in STEM field with 6 years of experience, or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of the degree.
• Experience in PCB fabrication and layer stack‑up for digital, RF, mixed signal, and power supply CCAs.
• Experience with Cadence Allegro or a similar CAD tool.
• Expert knowledge of industry specifications and design for manufacturing (DFM) rules for CCA and PCB design, fabrication and manufacturing.
• Ability to read drawings and schematic diagrams.
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• Advanced degree in STEM field.
• Experience in quality and testing of CCAs and PCBs.
• Strong self‑organizing and communication skills.

Primary level salary range: $111,700 – $185,000. Benefits include overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, long‑term incentives for VP or Director positions, and additional benefits such as health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays and paid time off. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and company results.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Decisions are made 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  U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.