Electrical Engineer

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space in Torrance, CA seeks an Electrical Engineer to drive the electrical design of high-speed digital systems, own PCB development, and collaborate across disciplines to optimize performance. You will perform schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, bring-up and validation on FPGAs and microcontrollers, and work with hardware, software, RF, antenna, FPGA, and firmware teams to ensure production-ready designs.

This role requires willingness to work extended hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• 0–4+ years of professional electrical design experience (internships, co-ops and project experience qualify).
• Experience with high-density, high-speed PCB design including FPGAs, SerDes, 10/100 GigE, and JESD204C interfaces.

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 with hardware, software, RF, antenna, FPGA, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and design integration.
• Test prototypes in lab and field to assess and improve performance.
• Partner with production teams to develop testable, manufacturable products for efficient in-house integration and scaling.

Skills

High-speed PCB design

FPGAs

SerDes

10/100 GigE

JESD204C

Schematic capture

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PCB layout tools

Job description

About Northwood:

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.

Role:

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 Qualifications:

• 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

Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation:

Electrical Engineer/Level 1: $88,000-$110,000 per year

Electrical Engineer/Level 2: $104,000 - $130,000 per year

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

Additional Information:

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.

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.