Senior RF & Antenna Systems Engineer

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 such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role:

As an RF & Antenna Systems Engineer, you will define and evaluate advanced RF communication and sensing architectures supporting satellite and ground systems. This role sits at the intersection of antenna systems, RF hardware, signal processing, and communications, translating mission requirements into RF system architectures and performance trade studies spanning antennas, RF front ends, and signal processing.

You will collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and software teams to develop antenna systems, adaptive beamforming strategies, and high-performance communication links.

We build real RF apertures and evaluate them as integrated systems operating at global scale.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze RF system and communication link performance, deriving top-level specifications for antenna systems, RF front ends, and signal processing architectures

• Evaluate and develop antenna system architectures, including phased arrays and adaptive beamforming strategies

• Model system-level RF, link budgets, and signal processing behavior to guide beamforming architectures, modem implementations, and system trade studies, including measured aperture performance in complex electromagnetic environments

• Design and analyze antenna systems, pointing and tracking strategies, aperture calibration and performance optimization

• Plan and execute integrated system tests focused on physical-layer performance such as G/T, EIRP, link margin, and modem performance metrics

• Investigate RF system and link performance issues through measurement, modeling, and cross-disciplinary debugging

• Work with RF, antenna, DSP, and communications engineers to translate algorithmic concepts into practical RF system implementations

• Support regulatory submissions, link performance analysis, and operational RF system design

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline

• 5+ years experience modeling and analyzing RF systems, antenna systems, or communication links

• Strong foundation in electromagnetics, antenna theory, and RF system design

• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Rust, or similar tools for RF system or signal-processing analysis

• Experience with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with phased arrays, beamforming systems, or advanced antenna architectures

• Strong understanding of beamforming theory, array factor, and electromagnetic propagation

• Experience performing link budget analysis and communication system trade studies

• Familiarity with modem architectures and physical-layer performance metrics

• Familiarity with radar systems, RF sensing systems, or electromagnetic warfare concepts

• Experience in RF lineup design, including amplifier linearity and filter isolation tradeoffs

• Experience analyzing metrics such as BER, EVM, noise figure, and dynamic range

• Experience building analysis tools in Python or similar languages

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation:

Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.