Senior RF & Antenna Systems Engineer

About the role

Northwood Space develops space infrastructure and global phased array ground station networks for satellite missions. This position focuses on the design and evaluation of RF communication architectures and sensing systems. You will own the end-to-end definition of RF front ends and antenna systems that meet demanding space-based performance targets. You will shape the evaluation frameworks that determine how adaptive beamforming and phased array technologies meet mission requirements. You will translate high-level mission needs into concrete system models that guide modem implementation and array calibration strategies. You will drive the design of pointing and tracking strategies while optimizing aperture performance across the entire payload lifecycle. You will own integrated system testing campaigns that validate physical-layer metrics under realistic operational conditions. You will act as a technical bridge across antenna, DSP, and communications teams to ensure coherent system realization.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Derive top-level specifications for RF front ends, antenna systems, and signal processing architectures that align with mission level objectives.
• Develop and evaluate antenna system architectures, specifically focusing on adaptive beamforming and phased arrays to meet coverage and throughput goals.
• Create system-level models for link budgets and signal processing that directly inform modem implementation and beamforming strategy trade studies.
• Design and analyze pointing and tracking strategies, aperture calibration procedures, and performance optimization techniques for dynamic space environments.
• Conduct integrated system testing to verify physical-layer performance metrics such as EIRP, G/T, and modem throughput against defined requirements.
• Troubleshoot RF link performance issues through measurement, modeling, and cross-functional debugging to restore system margin and availability.
• Translate algorithmic concepts into hardware implementations by collaborating with antenna, DSP, and communications teams to close design cycles.
• Provide technical support for operational RF system design, ensuring compliance with regulatory filings and spectrum management constraints.
• Evaluate RF component lineup options, balancing filter isolation, amplifier linearity, and noise performance to meet stringent space-based objectives.
• Analyze dynamic range, noise figure, EVM, and BER to ensure that end-to-end communication links meet mission reliability and throughput targets.
• Partner with security and compliance stakeholders to ensure that RF and antenna solutions adhere to ITAR and export control frameworks.
• Drive documentation and knowledge transfer activities that enable rapid scaling of ground station deployments across the global network.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field that provides a strong foundation in RF and antenna principles.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the analysis and modeling of communication links, RF systems, or antenna systems in relevant environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in antenna theory, electromagnetics, and RF system design practices that apply to space-based platforms.
• Hands-on experience using Python, MATLAB, Rust, or comparable tools for signal processing, modeling, and system level analysis.
• Proven ability to operate RF test hardware including signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and vector network analyzers for characterization and verification.
• Clear understanding of phased array theory, including array factor calculations, beam steering, and element-level coupling effects.
• Experience conducting communication system trade studies and detailed link budget analysis under varying mission scenarios and constraints.
• Familiarity with physical-layer performance metrics such as EVM, BER, and dynamic range, and their relationship to modem architectures.
• Capability to work under demanding schedules, including availability to work weekends and extended hours as required to meet program milestones.
• U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or protected individual status required to comply with ITAR regulations governing space and defense technologies.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance as part of employment eligibility and access to sensitive programs.

Nice to have

• Background in advanced antenna architectures, phased arrays, or beamforming systems that have been applied to space or ground station contexts.
• Deep knowledge of beamforming theory, electromagnetic propagation, and array factor optimization for challenging RF environments.
• Experience conducting communication system trade studies and link budget analysis that directly influence hardware and firmware decisions.
• Understanding of physical-layer performance metrics and modem architectures, including how they interact with RF front-end design choices.
• Familiarity with RF sensing, radar systems, or electromagnetic warfare concepts that may intersect with ground station operations.
• Experience with RF lineup design, including filter isolation strategies and amplifier linearity tradeoffs to meet strict spectral masks and interference constraints.
• Proficiency in analyzing dynamic range, noise figure, EVM, and BER across realistic operating conditions and system configurations.

Practical notes

• Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual to comply with ITAR regulations.
• This role requires obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Availability to work weekends and extended hours as required.
• Compensation includes base salary, stock options, and discretionary bonuses.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, flexible time off, and professional development.