Senior Mechanical Engineer, Sites

About Northwood:

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity 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 is launching a worldwide network of ground stations — and we need a Sr. Site Mechanical Engineer who is a technical expert, field operator, and builder. This role includes mechanical/civil design, rapid deployment, and systems operations. You’ll lead the charge on hardware development, site selection and construction — from first sketch to live satellite link. You’ll work side-by-side with internal and external teams to make this happen. We’re looking for a hands-on problem-solver with a builder’s mindset and a track record of delivering large projects under pressure. Role is based in our HQ in Los Angeles with frequent travel to sites.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Global Deployments. Own the installation of antennas and site hardware from the field, at sites around the world.

• Design for Scale. Engineer and iterate site layouts, mounting structures, power layouts, and rack infrastructure with speed, simplicity, and cost in mind.

• Prototype and Build. Drive R&D for new site hardware — take ideas from napkin sketch to field-tested deployment.

• Keep Us Online. Oversee live operations, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot issues to keep our stations operating at peak performance.

• Manage Partners. Collaborate with domestic and international partners, contractors, and network providers to coordinate deployments and deliver sites.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil or related engineering discipline

• 5+ years of relevant experience

• Proficiency in CAD for mechanical modeling and drawing creation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines and with diverse teams.

• Demonstrated success executing large projects on tight timelines.

• Experience working in construction or facilities including HVAC, power distribution, rooftops, or networking. 

• Hands-on field experience with proficiency using basic tools. 

• Experience designing and testing new products through their entire lifecycle.

• Basic ability to code in Python, C++, or other scripting languages.

• Experience building or using dashboards and databases (e.g., Grafana, SQL).

• Ability to clearly communicate, track deadlines, and manage complex schedules.

• Willingness to travel to domestic and international ground station sites as required.

• Ability to speak and write in multiple languages.

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.