RF Systems Architect
Define RF and system architectures for a global network of phased array ground stations. Translate customer and network requirements into product definitions, link budgets, and scalable solutions while partnering with business development and engineering teams.
About the job
Responsibilities
- Translate network-level inputs (capacity, coverage, latency, deployment timing) into concrete product architectures.
- Define RF and system-level parameters, including antenna configurations, link performance targets, throughput, and availability requirements.
- Develop and iterate on solution architectures using simulation outputs, link budgets, and real-world constraints to ensure technical and operational viability.
- Partner with Business Development to shape customer engagements and support proposals.
- Drive alignment with Engineering Leadership on system tradeoffs, product direction and roadmap, and deliver clear, execution-ready system definitions.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or mathematics.
- 5-10+ years of experience in systems engineering, solutions architecture, or technical product roles, with demonstrated ownership of complex, cross-functional systems.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Working knowledge of RF systems, ground stations, satellite communications, or related infrastructure.
- Proven ability to operate across disciplines (hardware, software, network, operations) and drive alignment across teams.
- Excellent communications skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience defining and deploying complex communications, networking, aerospace, or infrastructure systems at scale.
- Strong understanding of RF systems, satellite communications, network architecture tradeoffs, and system performance analysis.
- Ability to translate customer requirements and operational constraints into scalable technical product definitions and execution-ready architectures.
- Experience partnering with customers, business development, and engineering teams to shape proposals, product direction, and roadmap decisions.
- Strong systems thinking, technical judgment, and ability to drive alignment across cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments.
Compensation and Benefits
- Solutions Architect / Level 3: $129,582 - $175,317 per year
- Solutions Architect / Level 4: $153,000 - $207,000 per year
- Solutions Architect / Level 5: $183,600 - $230,400 per year
- Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a base-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical capabilities.
- In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long term incentives such as company stock, stock options, and cash awards, as well as discretionary bonus for performance.
- Northwood Space benefits include equity, health care, unlimited vacation, retirement savings and professional development.
Skills
Rf Systems, Satellite Communications, Link Budgets, Systems Engineering, Solutions Architecture, Network Architecture, Antenna Configurations, System Performance Analysis
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