Electrical Engineer (Early Career)

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between Earth and space by taking a vertically integrated approach to ground, developing advanced ground-segment technology that is scalable and reliable. Northwood has not only designed the highest power commercial communication phased array ever built, but deployed and installed 8 Portal units halfway across the world within only a 3-month turnaround time. Following our recent $100 million Series B funding round (led by Washington Harbour Partners and Andreessen Horowitz) and a $49.8 million contract with the United States Space Force to support and upgrade the Satellite Control Network, we're developing a high-capability phased-array network to enable global constellations of satellites. If you thrive on building quickly, seeing your innovations deployed globally with real impact on critical missions, we want you at Northwood.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER (HIGH SPEED, MIXED SIGNAL ELECTRONICS)

The Hardware team at Northwood develops cutting-edge digital compute and high power electronics that power our next-generation antennas and ground systems. These complex digital platforms enable high-rate processing and reliable performance for space communications, no matter the deployment location around the world. Our engineers prioritize design excellence and first principles fundamentals to deliver hardware known for its reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in demanding environments.

As an Electrical Engineer at Northwood, you will drive the electrical design of high-speed digital systems, own key aspects of PCB development, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to optimize overall system performance. You will contribute to architecture trades, prototype bring-up, testing in lab and field settings, and ensure designs transition smoothly to production. Your work will directly support our mission to enable faster, more capable space operations through innovative ground infrastructure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive electrical design for high-speed digital communication systems, implementing RF and mixed-signal designs in complex, multilayer PCBs

• Work with 100G high-speed networking, intricate digital power trees, and lead system trades to inform architecture decisions

• Perform schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, and bring-up/validation on diverse digital systems including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and associated peripherals

• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, RF, antenna, FPGA, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and design integration

• Test prototypes rigorously in the lab and field to assess and improve performance

• Partner with production teams to develop testable, manufacturable products for efficient in-house integration and scaling

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline

• 0-4+ years of professional experience in electrical design (internships, co-ops, and project experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in high-density/high-speed PCB design, including FPGAs, high-speed data converters, SerDes, 10/100 GigE networking, and JESD204C interfaces

• Strong experience with schematic capture tools and best practices in PCB layout for signal integrity and power distribution

• Hands-on troubleshooting of EMI/EMC issues (conducted or radiated)

• Knowledge of PCB materials selection and board stack-up definition for high-performance applications

• Familiarity with soldering, hot air rework, and prototype assembly techniques

• Experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept through production ramp-up

• Strong collaborative skills, enthusiasm for solving complex engineering challenges, and passion for advancing space communications technology

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Electrical Engineer/Level 1: $100,000 - $120,000 per year

Electrical Engineer/Level 2: $115,000 - $145,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. You may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts.

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.

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