Sr. Principal PWB Design Engineer

The Sr. Principal PWB Design Engineer role at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems focuses on leading the layout and fabrication data preparation for printed wiring boards, including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex configurations. This hybrid position in Rolling Meadows, IL encompasses PWB/PCB layout, layer stack calculations, and data outputs for fabrication, with collaboration across electrical and mechanical engineering teams. The compensation range for this role is USD 111,700 to 185,000 annually.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lay out PWBs/PCBs, flex circuits, interconnect routing, and generate corresponding drawings.
• Determine layer stack-up based on industry standards, supplier capabilities, and engineering requirements.
• Create and document the electronic data file outputs required for fabrication and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to optimize component placement and routing for rigid, flex, and rigid-flex assemblies.
• Apply technical principles of electrical and mechanical behavior to influence layout decisions, including impedance, differential pairs, strains, stresses, and orientation of components.
• Incorporate PWB/PCB change notices into designs.
• Assess designs and drawings for manufacturability and producibility.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to coordinate and lead design reviews with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 8 years of directly related professional experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 6 years of directly related professional experience, or 12 years of directly related experience in lieu of a degree.
• Drafting and design experience for PCB fabrication and PWB layer stack-up across digital, RF, mixed-signal, and power CCA applications.
• Experience with Cadence Allegro or a similar CAD tool.
• Knowledge of industry specifications and design for manufacturing (DFM) rules for CCA and PWB design, fabrication, and manufacturing.
• Ability to read drawings and schematic diagrams.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Technologies

• Cadence Allegro

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Annual bonuses
• Long Term Incentives
• Discretionary bonus

Relocation Assistance

• Relocation assistance may be available

Clearance

• Clearance to start: Not required
• Security clearance type: Secret

Travel

• Yes, approximately 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a STEM field
• Experience in PCB fabrication, testing, and quality
• Strong self-organization and communication skills