Digital Signal Processing Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

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.

Northrop Grumman - Cincinnati (aka Xetron) is part of the Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It's that kind of place! But don't take my word for it. See for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos like "This company is insanely advanced" and "Wow. This is mind blowing." See some of our recent Awards and Recognition and read about some of the reasons to live in Cincinnati.

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Mission-Driven Work: Directly contribute to systems that safeguard nations and support critical national-security objectives
• Rapid Growth Environment: Play a pivotal role on fast-moving programs that are expanding quickly, giving you ownership and visibility
• Cross-Functional Influence: Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply-chain teams, and become a trusted advisor to senior leadership and external partners

We are seeking cleared or clearable Digital Signal Processing Engineers who are self-motivated, energetic individuals who will be responsible for developing cutting edge algorithms in MATLAB or other programming languages such as CUDA/OpenCL, Python, C/C++ in Linux/UNIX or Windows environments. The preferred candidate will have experience with various Signal Processing algorithms both in time and frequency domains, understanding of Digital Communication Systems and various modulation techniques as well as RF signal processing chains and link budgets.


Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineers contribute to a broad range of applications with exposure to a variety of programs and technologies that provide critical solutions to US government intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense. Practical experience in any of these fields is highly desired:

• RADAR (SAR/ISAR)
• LPI/LPD waveforms
• EW techniques
• Software Defined Radios (SDRs)
• Image Processing and AI/ML techniques

As a DSP Engineer at Northrop Grumman - Xetron, you will be part of a cross-discipline, highly seasoned and talented team with experience in state-of-the-art RF, Antenna Design, DSP, Digital Hardware Design and Cyber Software Design, amongst others. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible, on the ground, air and space.

This position can be filled at the Engineer or the Principal Engineer level.

Basic Qualifications Engineer level:

• BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 2 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 0 years of experience
• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
• Basic understanding of MATLAB or Python, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Basic understanding of SW (embedded, AI/ML) or FPGA design

Basic Qualifications Principal Engineer:

• BS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 5 years of experience, OR MS Degree in Electrical, Computer or related Engineering discipline with 3 years of experience
• US Citizenship is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance is required
• Basic understanding of MATLAB or Python, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Basic understanding of SW (embedded, AI/ML) or FPGA design

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

• Proficient with MATLAB, with a Digital Signal Processing focus
• Experience in C/C++, Python, Embedded SW Design in Linux/UNIX environments
• Experience in FPGA design on low SWAP systems.
• Experience in Digital Communication Systems and RF signal processing chains
• Experience in applying AI/ML (e.g., deep learning, transformer, or reinforcement-learning models) to signal-processing techniques with emphasis on real-time deployment and performance optimization
• Experience in GPU Development (CUDA, OpenCL, or Vulkan) for real-time signal-processing workloads.
• Experience in Embedded Development in SoCs or DSPs
• Experience with VHDL (preferred) or Verilog
• Experience with HDL verification tools, such as Questa® or Modelsim®
• Experience with Xilinx, Altera (Intel) or Microsemi FPGAs
• Active Top Secret security clearance

This position offers the option of a 9/80 work schedule. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $113,900.00 - $170,900.00

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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.