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Digital System Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable, high-performance systems ... Knowledge of digital and analog circuit design * Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hardware ...

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable, high-performance systems ... Knowledge of digital and analog circuit design * Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hardware ...

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to create reliable, high-performance systems ... Knowledge of digital and analog circuit design * Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose hardware ...

Systems Design Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

The Systems Design Engineer must be able to perform design of information systems, including the ... Demonstrated ability to develop and execute system designs, ensure implementation of repeatable ...

... a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority ... CCTV (analog and digital\/IP), intrusion detection and alarm systems, locking devices and automated ...

Execute high-speed digital, power, RF, and mixed-signal layouts in accordance with industry's best ... System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering ...

Execute high-speed digital, power, RF, and mixed-signal layouts in accordance with industry's best ... System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering ...

... a Design Engineer to join our Critical Infrastructure Protection team supporting priority ... CCTV (analog and digital\/IP), intrusion detection and alarm systems, locking devices and automated ...

Design Engineer - Physical Access Control/CCTV

Mclean, VA · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Design Engineer CRI is looking to hire a Design Engineer in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area to assist with System Design, Request for Proposal Response, High Level System Experience and ...

Showing results 21-40

Digital System Design Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.1K

$134.3K

$196.5K

How much do digital system design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital system design engineer in Washington, DC is $134,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Digital System Design Engineer vs Digital Hardware Engineer?

AspectDigital System Design EngineerDigital Hardware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing digital systems and architecturesDesigning digital hardware components and circuits
Skills & CertificationsDigital logic, FPGA/ASIC design, VHDL/Verilog, embedded systemsDigital circuit design, PCB layout, FPGA/ASIC, VHDL/Verilog
Work EnvironmentElectronics design firms, semiconductor companies, tech industriesElectronics manufacturing, semiconductor, embedded systems
Common UsageFocuses on system-level design and integrationFocuses on hardware implementation and circuit design

While both roles involve digital design and similar skills, Digital System Design Engineers focus on creating complete digital systems and architectures, whereas Digital Hardware Engineers concentrate on designing specific hardware components and circuits. Both roles are essential in electronics and semiconductor industries, often collaborating on projects.

What is a digital system design engineer?

Digital System Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test digital circuits and systems, such as microprocessors, embedded systems, and digital communication devices. They use hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog to create and simulate digital logic. Their work often involves collaborating with software engineers and hardware teams to ensure that digital systems function efficiently and reliably. These engineers play a crucial role in industries like electronics, telecommunications, and computing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital system design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital System Design Engineer, you need a strong background in digital electronics, logic design, and hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard EDA tools like Xilinx Vivado, Altera Quartus, or ModelSim, along with knowledge of FPGA and ASIC design flows, is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set top performers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensuring reliable, efficient, and innovative digital systems that meet complex project requirements.

What are some common challenges digital system design engineers face when working on large-scale projects?

Digital System Design Engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex system requirements, ensuring interoperability between various hardware and software components, and meeting strict deadlines. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as software developers, hardware engineers, and verification specialists—is crucial for resolving integration issues and maintaining project alignment. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology standards and tools also plays a significant role in overcoming these challenges and delivering robust digital systems.
What are popular job titles related to Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Digital System Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Digital System Design Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,314 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Digital Design Engineer - Level 5 - Linthicum

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Linthicum, MD • On-site

$185K - $278K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
Join Northrop Grumman Eastern Region Engineering Team on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across space systems. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman is currently seeking Digital Design Engineers - Level 5 for our Linthicum, Maryland location in a variety of roles including FPGA design and FPGA architecture.
Roles and Responsibilities
FPGA Design
  • Develop digital logic designs for space applications such as satellite command and control and sensor data processing.
  • Design, development, creation and modification of digital logic designs implemented with Xilinx and Microsemi FPGA IDEs.
  • Scope of responsibility also includes simulation and verification of FPGA logic designs, compliance requirements, and supporting validation at the system level.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience, a master's degree with 10 years of experience or a PhD with 7 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical fields.
  • Digital subsystem, ASIC, FPGA and/or digital board development experience and knowledge essential
  • Experience with the use of various FPGAs and the development of HDL (Verilog and VHDL) code within the corresponding IDE, experience with digital circuit design, or processor architectures
  • Candidate must have good communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and good oral and written presentation skills
  • Must be able to mentor and coach early career Engineers as needed
  • Experience developing test plans, participating in reviews, test development and RTL debug
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret Clearance.

Preferred Skills:
  • Experience translating customer requirements and/or functional block diagrams into realized FPGA/Digital Logic Designs
  • Experience using schematic capture tools
  • Develops detailed specifications from high level design goals and performs analysis of the hardware, system environment and design goals to enable selection and implementation of the desired system topology.
  • Can clearly present assigned work at program technical reviews, proposals, or other technical meetings.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a development team to understand system level inter-dependencies and design constraints.
  • Conduct trade studies, identify and present alternate design options.
  • Experience with Systems Engineering principles

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $185,900.00 - $278,900.00
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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939