Senior Electrical Engineer

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Discretionary performance bonuses

Job summary

Northwood Space, a leader in space infrastructure, seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to advance high-speed digital compute and power electronics for rugged, scalable systems deployed globally. You will spearhead RF/mixed-signal designs on multi‑layer PCBs and drive architecture decisions for high-rate networks.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in electrical design, proficiency in Schematic capture, PCB layout, EMI/ EMC troubleshooting, and a track record of full product lifecycle from concept

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of professional experience in electrical design.

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, complex digital power trees, and drive system trades for architecture decisions.
• Perform schematic capture, layout, and bring-up on a variety of different digital systems including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and their associated peripherals.
• Collaborate across hardware and software teams with RF engineers, antenna engineers, FPGA engineers, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and overall design.
• Test prototypes and assess performance in the lab and in the field.
• Work with production teams to make testable and manufacturable products that we can integrate in-house.

Skills

High-speed design

FPGAs/SerDes

Schematic capture

PCB layout

EMI/EMC troubleshooting

PCB stack-up knowledge

Top Secret Clearance

Lab instrumentation

Tools

JESD204C

High-density routing

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.

Electrical Engineer (High Speed, Mixed‑Signal Electronics)

Northwood is looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to help drive the development of our digital compute and power electronics. These complex digital systems ensure that our antennas can meet high‑rate processing needs no matter where they are deployed around the world. Our hardware team prioritizes excellent engineering, building end products that are known for their reliability, scalability, and cost.

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, complex digital power trees, and drive system trades for architecture decisions
• Perform schematic capture, layout, and bring‑up on a variety of different digital systems including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and their associated peripherals
• Collaborate across hardware and software teams with RF engineers, antenna engineers, FPGA engineers, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and overall design
• Test prototypes and assess performance in the lab and in the field
• Work with production teams to make testable and manufacturable products that we can integrate in‑house

Basic Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of professional experience in electrical design
• Proficient in high‑density/high‑speed design (including FPGAs, high speed data converters, SerDes, 10/100 GigE, networking, JESD204C)
• Proficient in schematic capture and good PCB layout design
• Experience with troubleshooting EMI/EMC, either conducted or radiated
• Knowledge of PCB materials and developing board stack‑up definition
• Familiarity with soldering and hot air rework methods
• Experience with full product lifecycle (concept through production)

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing high‑speed mixed‑signal electronics and complex multilayer PCBs for FPGA‑ or processor‑based systems
• Strong expertise in high‑speed interfaces and networking technologies such as multi‑gigabit SerDes, DDR, JESD204B/C, and 10/100G Ethernet
• Deep understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation, PCB stack‑up definition, and high‑performance board layout practices
• Proven experience leading hardware development from architecture and prototype bring‑up through validation, manufacturing, and production ramp
• Hands‑on experience debugging complex hardware systems using advanced lab instrumentation and driving root‑cause analysis across board and system levels
• Ability to lead cross‑functional technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and make sound engineering tradeoffs in fast‑paced development environments

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation:

• Electrical Engineer/Level 3: $122,400 – $153,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 4: $144,000 – $180,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 5: $180,000 – $225,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 6: $204,000 – $255,000 per year

Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long‑term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses.

Additional Information

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

Export Compliance

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.