RF & Antenna Systems Engineer (Early Career)

About the company

Northwood Space builds vertically integrated ground infrastructure systems that support the next generation of satellite and orbital space operations.

About this role

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: As an RF & Antenna Systems Engineer, you will support the development, verification, and measurement of RF and antenna systems used for space-to-ground communications. You will work closely with senior RF and antenna engineers to perform antenna measurements, RF characterization, and electromagnetic system analysis. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer interested in developing expertise in antenna systems, RF measurements, and applied electromagnetics. You will collaborate across electrical, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and software teams to help validate hardware and analyze RF system performance from concept through deployment. Responsibilities: - Support RF and antenna measurements, including gain, radiation patterns, and system sensitivity - Analyze antenna patterns and RF system performance metrics such as G/T, EIRP, and link margin - Build Python or MATLAB tools for RF data analysis and system modeling - Assist with RF system integration and troubleshooting across hardware and software interfaces - Investigate and debug RF and antenna system performance issues through measurement, data analysis, and hardware experimentation - Assist in the verification and measurement of deployed RF assets and ground systems - Support evaluation and testing of advanced beamforming techniques and antenna architectures - Assist with the setup and operation of RF measurement equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators - Support test-for-production activities, including development of repeatable RF test methodologies, calibration procedures, and measurement automation - Contribute to the transition of RF systems from prototype to production, ensuring measurement consistency and test coverage - Document test procedures, measurement results, and system performance analyses Basic Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related engineering discipline - Strong fundamentals in electromagnetics, RF systems, and antenna theory - Experience with RF measurement equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, or signal generators (coursework, lab work, internships, or research acceptable) - Experience using Python or MATLAB for data analysis, modeling, or measurement processing - Ability to analyze RF measurement data and system performance metrics Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, CST, or FEKO - Experience with antenna measurements, including radiation pattern characterization or antenna ranges - Familiarity with RF system metrics such as gain, noise figure, EIRP, and G/T - Experience analyzing RF measurement data and building analysis tools in Python - Familiarity with satellite communications systems or RF link analysis - Experience supporting hardware testing, integration, or validation of RF systems Additional Requirements: - This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs. 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.