Lead Hardware Engineer, Antenna Systems

Northwood Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Lead Hardware Development Engineer to spearhead the development of antenna systems from architecture to deployment. You will own multidisciplinary hardware programs, integrating mechanical, RF, electronics, embedded software, and thermal management to deliver field-ready solutions.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in mechanical or RF engineering, proven ownership of complex hardware, and strong systems thinking to manage interfaces across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering discipline with strong academic record.
• 3–5+ years delivering complex hardware or antenna systems.
• Experience turning objectives into verifiable requirements and plans.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical development and execution of a Northwood antenna system from concept to deployment.
• Translate product and mission needs into system requirements, architectures, interfaces, and test plans.
• Coordinate development across mechanical, electrical, RF, antenna, embedded software, thermal, and manufacturing.
• Build schedules, milestones, critical paths, and risk mitigation plans.
• Lead system-level trade studies on performance, design, power, thermal, cost, and deployment speed.
• Drive prototype builds, system integration, testing, root-cause investigations, and production-readiness reviews.
• Contribute to design, analysis, prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting within your discipline.
• Provide clear progress updates to engineering leadership on risks, decisions, and needs.

Skills

Antenna design

RF hardware

Embedded systems

Systems engineering

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace/RF Engineering or related

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS / CAD tools

Job description

Northwood Space is seeking a Lead Hardware Development Engineer to spearhead the development of antenna systems from architecture to deployment. You will own multidisciplinary hardware programs, integrating mechanical, RF, electronics, embedded software, and thermal management to deliver field-ready solutions.

The ideal candidate has deep experience in mechanical or RF engineering, proven ownership of complex hardware, and strong systems thinking to manage interfaces across disciplines.