Senior DSP Engineer

Socket.dev; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood Space is seeking a Senior DSP Engineer to own the modem algorithms for our next-generation satellite ground platform. You will collaborate with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to implement and validate waveform processing on in-house SDR and FPGA infrastructure.

You will work on end-to-end modem design, including synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and testing, with a focus on real-world performance in a high-speed space communications network.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in modem or waveform processing.
• Experience moving waveform algorithms from prototype to working implementation.
• Strong understanding of digital communications theory and CW modulation.
• Experience with SDR platforms and FPGA/embedded compute integration.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design of modem algorithms from requirements to validation.
• Define waveform processing chains for in-house SDR or FPGA deployment.
• Partition modem functions across FPGA logic and host-based compute.
• Collaborate with RF, FPGA, and systems teams to validate performance.
• Develop tests to characterize modem performance under realistic channels.

Skills

Modem algorithms

Waveform processing

FPGA development

C++ or Rust

Digital communications

SDR

System testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in EE/CE

Tools

GNU Radio

FPGA toolchains

RTL design

Job description

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:

We are looking for a Senior DSP Engineer to own the definition and development of modem algorithms for our next-generation radio platform. You will work within our existing in‑house SDR and FPGA infrastructure, taking substantial ownership over the modem end‑to‑end — from waveform definition through implementation and validation.

You will work closely with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to integrate modem algorithms into a high‑performance communications platform for our satellite ground network. This role is a great fit for an engineer who thinks fluently in waveforms and signal chains and is comfortable moving that thinking into real implementation, without needing to own the surrounding RF hardware, data‑converter, clocking, or embedded systems architecture.

Responsibilities:

• Own the definition and development of modem algorithms end‑to‑end, from requirements through implementation and validation

• Define waveform processing chains — synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and related signal‑processing functions — for implementation on an in‑house SDR platform or FPGA

• Partition and implement modem signal‑processing functions across FPGA logic and embedded/host‑based compute, working within the existing hardware platform

• Collaborate with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to integrate modem algorithms into the end‑to‑end system and validate performance

• Develop and run communication system tests to characterize modem performance under realistic channel impairments

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field

• Experience developing modems or waveform processing chains for SDR, wireless communications, radar, or similar RF systems

• Strong understanding of digital communications theory: CCSDS waveforms, BPSK/QPSK/OQPSK, DVB-S2, carrier synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and Doppler effects

• Demonstrated ability to carry waveform algorithms from analysis and prototyping through to a working implementation, rather than stopping at simulation

• Working understanding of the complete signal chain and how modem design decisions interact with RF and hardware constraints

• Experience with communication system testing and performance characterization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with bit‑equivalence verification through FPGAs

• Familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio

• Experience with real‑time signal processing

• Systems programming skills in C++ or Rust, with Rust especially valued

• Experience with beamforming, radar, or electronic warfare (EW) systems

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.