Microelectronics

Powering American defense with smaller, smarter technology.

Pioneering Microelectronics for Advanced Technology

Microelectronics, smaller than a grain of sand— are high-tech, components that make up the backbone of the technology in our everyday lives. These microchips and semiconductors are powering modern society—from smartphones to space missions.

For over 70 years, Northrop Grumman’s Microelectronics Center has led the way in this rapidly advancing field. Our two U.S.-based, government-trusted manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art packaging location set industry standards, delivering millions of defense and commercial microelectronics annually.

Our dual-use design and manufacturing approach enhances every stage of development, production, testing and integration, ensuring accelerated processes that lead to reliable products. With innovative design and precise fabrication, our mission-tailored solutions deliver exceptional performance to meet the most demanding challenges.

Highlights and Insights

Multifunction AESA radar array showcasing advanced 3D-printed design and compact structure for versatile operations.
man in cleanroom suit with laser in hand
Northrop Grumman Accelerates Microelectronics Testing Under DARPA Program
Northrop Grumman Awarded Contracting Tool to Accelerate American-Made Microelectronics into Military Systems_image
Microelectronics engineer in lab
man in clean room clothes in lab
man in clean room clothes in lab
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Powered by Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge microelectronics technology, this compact wideband array equips crewed or uncrewed platforms in air or space with next-gen sensing capabilities.
man in cleanroom suit with laser in hand

American-Made Microelectronics

Discover key locations across the United States that are integral to Northrop Grumman's storied history and lasting impact in microelectronics. This interactive map showcases our commitment to innovation and excellence nationwide.

Trusted by the U.S. government, with multiple secure facilities on U.S. soil.
Produce millions of microchips in the U.S. annually.
More than 800 materials used in chip making.
Engineered the world’s fastest microchip, that’s 1,000x faster than everyday chips.
Received two Emmy awards and two Guinness World Records.
Hold dozens of patents and innovation awards.

Trusted by the U.S. government, with multiple secure facilities on U.S. soil.

Mighty in the Microscopic

Mastering High-Performance Crystal Growth

We specialize in molecular beam epitaxy, an advanced method to grow extremely pure and precisely controlled semiconductor crystals, essential for high-frequency electronic applications.

Mastering High-Performance Crystal Growth

Unleashing Superconducting Superpowers

Our superconducting digital logic family allows our solutions extremely low operating temperatures for high-speed and energy-efficient computation. Using streamlined, precise fabrication processes ensures top-notch quality and rapid production, for high-performance defense microelectronics.

Unleashing Superconducting Superpowers

Revolutionizing Radio Frequency with SLCFET

Our Super-Lattice Castellated Field Effect Transistor (SLCFET), invented at our Advanced Technology Lab, is a world-record, groundbreaking radio frequency (RF) switch. The change in traditional model led to a 3D layered structure which can handle a wider range of frequencies with minimal power loss, addressing a 30-year gap in RF switch advancement.

Revolutionizing Radio Frequency with SLCFET

The Process for Precision

How one engineer transformed semiconductor chip validation through standardization and collaboration.

The Process for Precision

From Mops to Micro

“This is where I want to be,” Paul says as he joins his engineering colleagues, down the hall from the janitor’s closet which once held the keys to his success.

From Mops to Micro

Leading U.S. Innovation with Powerful Microchips

Reviving U.S. leadership in cutting-edge technologies begins with the smallest element: the microchip.

Leading U.S. Innovation with Powerful Microchips

The Passion of a Pioneer

One woman’s commitment to the quality of Northrop Grumman’s microelectronics solutions.

The Passion of a Pioneer

Quick Chip

1,000 times faster than the chips in your cell phone, microscopic in size and enabling high speed secure communications for DoD missions.

Quick Chip

Paving the Way in Stacking and Packaging

Northrop Grumman, led by the Texas Institute for Electronics is strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing using unique packaging and stacking techniques for microchips.

Paving the Way in Stacking and Packaging

Clocking In

Clocking In

Nothing Stops Sabrina

Nothing Stops Sabrina

Gadget Inspectors

Gadget Inspectors

Hardening the Future

Hardening the Future

Prickly Progress

The prickly cactus plant sparked an idea to fine-tune high-tech avionics for one of the most advanced aircraft in the sky.

Prickly Progress

Revolutionizing Missions

At our microelectronics foundries, engineers hover over wafers that enable a range of missions, from satellite communications to astrophysics systems.

Revolutionizing Missions

Mighty Microelectronics Team

With over 80 U.S. patents and 49 innovation awards, our strength lies in our people, not just our tools. Our purpose-driven culture empowers employees to create groundbreaking solutions, drive continuous improvement and embrace a digital-first approach. 

black woman working with robot arm holding microchip

Contact the Microelectronics Team

Have questions about how Northrop Grumman’s Microelectronics Centers can solve your toughest problems?  We are here to answer them.

Telephone: 310-814-5000