Development Test Specialist
About Northwood:
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company focused on connecting space and Earth. The world runs on space. Space will run on Northwood. Our global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail.
Northwood is seeking a Development Test Specialist to build and operate the hands-on test infrastructure that enables rapid hardware iteration from prototype through integration and qualification. In this role, you’ll assemble and troubleshoot test racks and setups, perform benchtop and integrated testing, and support environmental and system-level test campaigns with high-quality documentation and traceability. You’ll work closely with test engineers and hardware teams to debug anomalies, execute rework, fabricate harnessing and RF assemblies, and maintain a well-run lab environment. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who thrives in fast-paced development environments and enjoys turning scrappy prototypes into repeatable test setups that accelerate learning and reliability.
Responsibilities:
Build, wire, and troubleshoot test racks, fixtures, and mechanical/electrical test setups
Perform benchtop and integrated testing independently or with engineers, following procedures and requirements
Execute SMT + through-hole solder rework and fabricate harnesses/coax assemblies
Support integration and environmental test (repeatable configs, calibration/traceability, documentation)
Summarize and share test data and preliminary results, and support anomaly investigations to resolution
Maintain lab readiness (calibrated instrumentation, equipment health, tooling, consumables, organization)
Drive 5S and process improvements to improve throughput and reliability
Help develop safe work practices for high voltage / high power RF systems
Partner with test engineers to improve rack maintainability, documentation, and throughput
Basic Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalency certificate
6+ years of experience as an electronics technician, test technician, or specialist supporting complex hardware
Knowledge of Ohm's Law, DC power supplies, and multimeters
Ability in soldering/rework for SMT and through-hole components, including fine-pitch work
Knowledge/experience operating basic machine shop equipment, including: sanders, grinders, saws, and hand tools
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Associate or bachelor's degree with a focus in physics, mathematics, or engineering
Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
Familiarity with the Linux command line
Ability to fabricate and repair electrical systems, including: soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors/harnesses
Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies, including: milling, drilling, tapping and torquing
Knowledge/experience with RF test - including spectrum analyzer and network analyzer measurements - and dB units
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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood 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.