Phased-Array RF & Antenna Systems Lead

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company building a global network of phased array ground stations to enable real-time, reliable satellite communication. We seek an RF & Antenna Systems Engineer to define RF architectures spanning antennas, RF front ends, and signal processing, partnering with cross-functional teams to translate mission requirements into scalable systems.

The role focuses on antenna systems, beamforming, and performance trade studies for global missions, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related discipline.
• 5+ years experience modeling and analyzing RF systems, antenna systems, or communication links.
• Strong foundation in electromagnetics, antenna theory, and RF system design.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Rust, or similar tools for RF system or signal-processing analysis.
• Experience with RF test equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.

Responsibilities

• Analyze RF system and communication link performance, deriving top-level specifications for antenna systems, RF front ends, and signal processing architectures.
• Evaluate and develop antenna system architectures, including phased arrays and adaptive beamforming strategies.
• Model system-level RF, link budgets, and signal processing behavior to guide beamforming architectures, modem implementations, and system trade studies.
• Design and analyze antenna systems, pointing and tracking strategies, aperture calibration and performance optimization.
• Plan and execute integrated system tests focused on physical-layer performance such as G/T, EIRP, link margin, and modem performance metrics.
• Investigate RF system and link performance issues through measurement, modeling, and cross-disciplinary debugging.
• Work with RF, antenna, DSP, and communications engineers to translate algorithmic concepts into practical RF system implementations.
• Support regulatory submissions, link performance analysis, and operational RF system design.

Skills

RF system design

Antenna theory

Electromagnetics

Beamforming concepts

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Rust

Vector network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Signal generator

Job description

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company building a global network of phased array ground stations to enable real-time, reliable satellite communication. We seek an RF & Antenna Systems Engineer to define RF architectures spanning antennas, RF front ends, and signal processing, partnering with cross-functional teams to translate mission requirements into scalable systems.

The role focuses on antenna systems, beamforming, and performance trade studies for global missions, with