Mechanical Engineer- Fleet Operations & Reliability

About the role

Join a team building a global network of advanced ground stations for satellite communication. This role is centered on ensuring the continuous operation and peak performance of hardware deployed worldwide in diverse environments. You will act as a technical expert, field operator, and system builder, driving uptime and performance across the network through proactive and reactive measures. The position requires a deep understanding of mechanical and electrical systems working in concert under demanding conditions. You will be responsible for the end-to-end reliability of critical hardware assets that form the backbone of our communication infrastructure. This role blends hands-on technical work with strategic oversight of global operational processes. You will own the interface between engineering design and real-world deployment constraints. Success in this position means the network operates efficiently, predictably, and with minimal unplanned downtime.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Diagnose and resolve complex hardware anomalies in the global antenna network to maximize system uptime.
• Monitor the Network Operations Center around the clock, analyzing telemetry streams and identifying nascent issues before they escalate.
• Plan and execute hardware deployment campaigns at remote and challenging sites, managing the setup, validation, and handover to operations.
• Perform detailed root cause analysis on failed components, documenting findings and implementing robust corrective actions to prevent future incidents.
• Oversee a global network of third-party contractors, ensuring maintenance tasks are performed to strict technical and safety standards.
• Partner with product and manufacturing teams to provide feedback from the field, influencing future designs for improved reliability and ease of maintenance.
• Develop and maintain rigorous testing procedures for newly installed and existing hardware to ensure compliance with performance specifications.
• Author clear technical documentation for processes, failures, and solutions to create institutional knowledge and support scalability.
• Utilize scripting capabilities to automate data analysis, generate reports, and create tools that streamline operational workflows.
• Conduct periodic reviews of contractor performance and logistics, identifying opportunities to optimize cost and response times.
• Liaise with logistics and supply chain partners to ensure the availability of critical spare parts and materials at strategic locations.
• Apply engineering principles to assess site infrastructure, ensuring installations are robust and meet environmental and safety requirements.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to streamline maintenance procedures and reduce the mean time to repair (MTTR) across all sites.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, sharing expertise in diagnostics, test methodologies, and best practices in field operations.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Demonstrate experience in building, testing, operating, or diagnosing complex electrical and mechanical systems in the field.
• Possess U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or eligibility for U.S. export authorizations as mandated by law.
• Exhibit a strong willingness to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, to address critical system issues.
• Show the ability to follow strict procedures while maintaining flexibility in fast-paced, dynamic operational environments.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and a clean driving record, as the role may require domestic travel.
• Demonstrate physical capability to perform hands-on work, including lifting equipment, climbing structures, and working in confined spaces.
• Commit to adhering to all safety protocols and standards governing operations in international and domestic locations.

Nice to have

• Experience operating across various engineering disciplines and collaborating effectively with diverse technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven ability to interpret telemetry data and perform real-time troubleshooting of live hardware systems.
• History of managing field operations, contractors, or vendor relationships across multiple geographic locations.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and verbal communication skills for coordinating complex activities.
• Hands-on field experience with a diverse toolkit and advanced diagnostic equipment.
• Comfort with scripting languages such as Python or SQL to manipulate data and automate tasks.
• Proficiency in 2D or 3D CAD software for creating drawings and models related to mechanical installations.
• Willingness to travel to domestic and international ground station sites for deployments and maintenance reviews.
• Background in failure analysis, product engineering, quality assurance, or service roles within consumer electronics or automotive sectors.

Practical notes

Northwood offers comprehensive benefits including medical, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Reasonable accommodations for the application process are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. This position may require travel within the United States and internationally to support global ground station operations. All employment is contingent upon the verification of eligibility to work in the required location and compliance with export control regulations.