RF Systems Architect

Department: Engineering

Location: Torrance, CA

Compensation: $115K – $225K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

RF SYSTEMS ARCHITECT

Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations, and we’re looking for a Solutions Architect to define the products that power that network. You will translate customer needs and network-level analysis into concrete product definitions – what we build, how it performs, and how it scales. You will work closely with Sites, Business Development, and Engineering leadership to aggregate demand across customers, shape product direction, and drive alignment on what Northwood brings to market. This role is highly cross-functional and high-leverage, sitting at the intersection of customer requirements, system design, and product execution / evolution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Translate network-level inputs (capacity, coverage, latency, deployment timing) into concrete product architectures.

• Define RF and system-level parameters, including antenna configurations, link performance targets, throughput, and availability requirements.

• Develop and iterate on solution architectures using simulation outputs, link budgets, and real-world constraints to ensure technical and operational viability.

• Partner with Business Development to shape customer engagements and support proposals.

• Drive alignment with Engineering Leadership on system tradeoffs, product direction and roadmap, and deliver clear, execution-ready system definitions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or mathematics.

• 5-10+ years of experience in systems engineering, solutions architecture, or technical product roles, with demonstrated ownership of complex, cross-functional systems.

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Working knowledge of RF systems, ground stations, satellite communications, or related infrastructure.

• Proven ability to operate across disciplines (hardware, software, network, operations) and drive alignment across teams.

• Excellent communications skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience defining and deploying complex communications, networking, aerospace, or infrastructure systems at scale

• Strong understanding of RF systems, satellite communications, network architecture tradeoffs, and system performance analysis

• Ability to translate customer requirements and operational constraints into scalable technical product definitions and execution-ready architectures

• Experience partnering with customers, business development, and engineering teams to shape proposals, product direction, and roadmap decisions

• Strong systems thinking, technical judgment, and ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments

Compensation and Benefits:

Solutions Architect /Level 3: $129,582 - $175,317 per year

Solutions Architect/Level 4: $153,000 - $207,000 per year

Solutions Architect/Level 5: $183,600 - $230,400 per year

Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a base-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical capabilities. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long term incentives such as company stock, stock options, and cash awards, as well as discretionary bonus for performance. Northwood Space benefits include equity, health care, unlimited vacation, retirement savings and professional development.

Additional Information:

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

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 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space 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.