Senior RF Systems Engineer

About the Company

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions.

Responsibilities

• Translate customer requirements and mission needs into top-level RF system architectures and hardware specifications
• Serve as a primary technical interface for customers, guiding them through system integration and design reviews
• Develop and maintain end-to-end communication system models, detailed link budgets, and RF lineup analyses
• Drive RF systems from initial concept and prototyping through regulatory compliance testing and manufacturing scale-up
• Lead integrated system-level testing, validating physical-layer metrics such as EIRP, G/T, EVM, BER, and throughput
• Partner with RF design, DSP, and embedded software teams to resolve complex system-level anomalies
• Assist in securing regulatory approvals (ITU, FCC, etc.) by analyzing spectral compliance and emissions profiles

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in RF systems engineering or communication system architecture
• Deep understanding of RF front-end architectures, transceiver design, and digital communication theory
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or similar scripting languages for modeling and data analysis
• Hands-on experience with RF laboratory test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Must be a U.S. citizen or protected individual under ITAR regulations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in technical sales or applications engineering interfacing with external customers
• Track record of bringing commercial RF hardware products from concept to high-volume production
• Expertise in complex link budget modeling and interference mitigation
• Familiarity with satellite or terrestrial wireless standards such as DVB-S2X, 3GPP/5G, or CCSDS
• Experience with FCC/NTIA/ITU spectrum regulations and RF compliance testing