RF Systems Architect

About the role

Northwood Space is actively expanding its global network of ground stations to support its satellite communications infrastructure. The company is seeking a highly skilled RF Systems Architect to lead the definition and development of the RF products that will power this growing network. In this role, you will be responsible for translating customer requirements, network analysis, and operational needs into detailed product specifications. Your work will involve determining the technical performance parameters, scalability, and integration strategies for RF systems, ensuring that the products meet both current and future demands. Collaboration with cross-functional teams - including engineering, business development, and operations - is essential to align product development with market needs and technical feasibility. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the core infrastructure of a rapidly expanding space and ground station network, contributing to innovative solutions in satellite communications and ground infrastructure.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Convert high-level network requirements such as capacity, coverage, latency, and deployment schedules into detailed RF and system architecture designs.
• Define key RF parameters including antenna configurations, link performance metrics, throughput targets, and system availability requirements.
• Use simulation tools, link budget calculations, and real-world operational constraints to refine and validate system architectures, ensuring they are feasible and optimized for performance.
• Collaborate closely with Business Development teams to understand customer needs, support proposal development, and shape product offerings that align with market opportunities.
• Work with engineering teams to translate system architectures into detailed technical specifications, ensuring that designs are implementable and scalable.
• Provide technical leadership during product development phases, offering guidance on RF component selection, system integration, and performance testing.
• Participate in trade-off analyses to balance system performance, cost, complexity, and manufacturability, helping to define product roadmaps.
• Support the integration and testing of RF systems, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical expertise to ensure successful deployment.
• Assist in developing technical documentation, including system specifications, user manuals, and operational procedures.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to gather feedback, understand operational challenges, and incorporate these insights into product design.
• Stay current with emerging RF technologies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements relevant to satellite ground station infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in systems engineering, solutions architecture, or technical product development within RF, satellite communications, or ground station infrastructure.
• Proven ability to develop complex RF system architectures and translate customer needs into technical specifications.
• Strong understanding of RF components, antenna systems, link budgets, and system performance metrics.
• Experience with simulation tools and modeling techniques used to validate RF system designs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines, including hardware, software, network, and operations teams.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage ambiguity, and adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Knowledge of industry standards, regulatory considerations, and export control regulations such as ITAR.
• Experience supporting product development from concept through deployment, including testing and troubleshooting.

Nice to have

• Experience in defining and deploying large-scale communication, networking, aerospace, or infrastructure systems.
• Deep expertise in RF system design, satellite communication protocols, and ground station operations.
• Ability to translate customer operational requirements into scalable, ready-to-implement technical solutions.
• Past involvement in proposal development, customer engagement, or business development activities related to RF systems or satellite infrastructure.
• Familiarity with emerging RF technologies, software-defined radio, or advanced antenna systems.
• Knowledge of space industry standards and familiarity with international regulations affecting satellite ground station operations.

Skills & tools

• RF systems design and analysis
• Satellite communication systems
• Network architecture and integration
• System performance modeling and simulation
• Link budget calculations
• Antenna and RF component selection
• Regulatory compliance and export controls

Practical notes

Compensation for this role varies depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and the specific level within the organization. Northwood Space determines individual salary and benefits on a case-by-case basis, considering education, technical expertise, and previous experience. In addition to base salary, the company offers long-term incentives such as stock options, cash awards, and performance bonuses. Benefits include equity participation, comprehensive health care, unlimited vacation policy, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development. Due to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals, or otherwise authorized to work with such technology under U.S. law. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate eligibility for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State if applicable.