Northwood Space builds vertically integrated ground infrastructure systems that support the next generation of satellite and orbital space operations.
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. The Role: Northwood is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Machining) to help stand up and scale our in-house machining capability for high-performance hardware used in our satellite communications ground stations. This role combines hands-on machining/CAM with strategic capability build-out—you’ll own the end-to-end effort from selecting and purchasing CNC equipment to designing the shop layout, building robust fixturing, programming parts, training operators, and driving continuous improvement on quality, cost, and lead time. Responsibilities: - Own the roadmap to establish and scale an internal machine shop: capability definition, machine selection, procurement, and commissioning. - Source, evaluate, and purchase CNC machines and supporting equipment (workholding, tooling, metrology, material handling), balancing floor space, budget, throughput, and scalability. - Coordinate machine delivery, rigging, utilities, installation, acceptance testing, and ongoing maintenance strategy. - Design the machine shop layout, workflows, and safety/operational standards (material flow, tool control, inspection flow, chip/coolant management). - Design and validate machining fixtures and workholding for repeatability, speed, and part quality. - Create, own, and maintain CAM programs and machining documentation: setups, tool lists, inspection plans, and standardized work. - Run machines as needed to unblock development/production and to prove out new processes and programs. - Train operators and establish operator-facing work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and escalation paths. - Drive continuous improvement (yield, cycle time, scrap reduction, process capability), including root-cause investigations and corrective actions. - Partner closely with design engineering on DFM, tolerancing strategy, inspection strategy, and make/buy decisions for machined components. Basic Qualifications: - 4–6+ years of experience working with machined components in a manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, CNC machining, or closely related role. - Demonstrated experience with fixture/workholding design and bringing repeatable machining processes into production. - Strong CAM programming experience (e.g., Fusion, Mastercam, NX CAM, etc.) and practical understanding of feeds/speeds, tooling, and setup strategy. - Comfortable operating in a hands-on environment: proving out programs on the floor, debugging issues, and iterating quickly. - Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate vendors/contractors and cross-functional stakeholders. Preferred Skills: - Experience selecting and commissioning CNC equipment (mills/lathes; 3/4/5-axis), including acceptance criteria and ramp plans. - Proficiency in CAD for fixturing and tooling design (e.g., Siemens NX or similar). - Experience with GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and inspection/metrology planning (CMM, probing, etc.). - Experience developing standardized work, work instructions, and training programs. 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 optional needs. - Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed - This role requires being on-site 5 days per week Compensation: Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. 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. 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. 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.