Skip to content
Northwood SpaceNorthwood SpaceLos Angeles, CA

RF & Antenna Systems Engineer

Supports the development, measurement, verification, and production transition of RF and antenna systems for space-to-ground communications. Requires a bachelor's degree, fundamentals in electromagnetics and antenna theory, RF measurement experience, and Python or MATLAB proficiency.

120k – 170k/yr
On-siteEntry levelHardware Engineering

About the role

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 setup and operation of RF measurement equipment, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
  • Support test-for-production activities, including repeatable RF test methodologies, calibration procedures, and measurement automation.
  • Contribute to transitioning RF systems from prototype to production, ensuring measurement consistency and test coverage.
  • Document test procedures, measurement results, and system performance analyses.

Requirements

  • 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 is acceptable.
  • Experience using Python or MATLAB for data analysis, modeling, or measurement processing.
  • Ability to analyze RF measurement data and system performance metrics.

Nice-to-Haves

  • 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.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual salary range: $120,000-$170,000.
  • The role may require eligibility under U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR.

Skills

rf systemsantenna theoryelectromagneticsPythonMATLABvector network analyzersspectrum analyzerssignal generatorshfsscstfekobeamformingeirpg/trf link analysis

Similar roles

Hardware Engineering jobs
Northwood Space

FPGA Engineer

Northwood SpaceLos Angeles, CA +1

Designs, develops, and tests FPGA networking and DSP blocks for phased-array antenna communication systems, supporting architecture, prototyping, field diagnostics, and deployment. Requires a bachelor’s degree, 2–4+ years of professional experience, and expertise in Verilog and SystemVerilog.

120k – 170k/yrRemote2+ YOEHardware Engineering
Atomicmachines

Electrical Integration Engineer

AtomicmachinesEmeryville, CA +1

Design, build, document, and troubleshoot electrical systems and interconnects for custom electromechanical manufacturing equipment. Requires hands-on experience integrating sensors, actuators, wiring, and firmware within complex hardware systems.

120k – 155k/yrOn-site2+ YOEHardware Engineering
Icarus

Engineer (Formula SAE Track)

IcarusEl Segundo, CA

Formula SAE builder role designing, building, and flying lightweight mechanical subsystems for solar-powered stratospheric aircraft. Requires hands-on hardware experience, grit, and willingness to own subsystems end-to-end from concept to flight.

120k – 160k/yrOn-siteEntry levelHardware Engineering
Applied Intuition

Electrical Systems Integration Engineer

Applied IntuitionSunnyvale, CA

Designs automotive-grade wire harnesses and electrical distribution systems using SolidWorks and Altium. Coordinates with engineering teams, OEMs, and suppliers to meet program milestones and quality standards. Requires 2+ years in wire harness design and BS/MS in relevant field.

120k – 220k/yrOn-site2+ YOEHardware Engineering
Northwood Space

RF Hardware Engineer (Early Career)

Northwood SpaceLos Angeles, CA +1

Designs and builds RF electronics hardware including amplifiers, filters, and support circuits for space communications ground networks. Collaborates across disciplines to optimize performance from concept to production; requires bachelor's in electrical engineering and 0-4+ years RF experience.

120k – 170k/yrOn-siteEntry levelHardware Engineering