Lead Product Architect

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Lead Product Architect to translate customer needs and network-level analysis into concrete product definitions for a global ground-station network. You will define architectures, parameters, and roadmaps, collaborating with Sites, Business Development, and Engineering leadership to align on what to build and how it scales.

This role traverses hardware, software, network, and operations, demanding strong communication and cross-functional influence across fast-paced

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 ownership of cross-functional systems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to 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.

Responsibilities

• Translate network-level inputs 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 simulations, link budgets, and real-world constraints.
• Partner with Business Development to shape customer engagements and support proposals.
• Drive alignment with Engineering Leadership on system tradeoffs, product direction, and roadmap, delivering execution-ready system definitions.

Skills

RF systems

Systems thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical communication

Architecture design

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/engineering/physics/math

Job description

Role:

Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations, and we’re looking for a Lead Product 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:

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

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.