RF Systems Engineer

About Northwood Space:

Northwood is on a mission to build a data highway between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.

Job Level: 

The level of this position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. We are open to considering candidates of varying experience levels, from mid-career to experienced.

Role:

Northwood Space is looking for an RF Systems Engineer to join our team in our El Segundo office. As an RF Systems Engineer you will be responsible for architecting and verifying communication systems between satellites and ground stations. You will influence the overall ground network and portal design based on RF performance trades, and you will collaborate with many disciplines including electrical, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and software engineers to create the best product from concept to production.

Responsibilities:

• Architect RF systems for space to ground communications, including RF link and modems

• Analyze system performance, and derive top level specifications for RF/antenna systems and signal processing

• Define tests and and troubleshoot integrated hardware performance metrics (G/T and EIRP), working with hardware and software engineers

• Provide technical support to regulatory and site operations colleagues

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related engineering discipline

• 2+ years of experience performing analysis in MATLAB, Python, Rust, or other tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems and DSP

• 2+ years of experience with RF test equipment such as VNA, spectrum analyzer, etc.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience working with basic RF components including, filters, amplifiers, antennas,etc.

• Experience with modem design, or transmitter/receiver emulation for test applications

• Experience with link budget analysis, power flux density, dilution of precision, doppler, antenna patterns, etc.

• Experience with digital communication theory and testing including bit error rate, EVM, noise figure, dynamic range, and quantization noise

• Experience with Python (or other language) for data analysis

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a base-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical capabilities. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long term incentives such as company stock, stock options, and cash awards, as well as discretionary bonus for performance. Northwood Space benefits include equity, health care, unlimited vacation, retirement savings and professional development.

Additional Information:

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.