Forward Deployed RF Engineer

Responsibilities

• Own RF compatibility and integration efforts with customer systems, ensuring successful end-to-end mission performance
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and integration testing for RF and communication systems
• Validate RF designs against real-world constraints, including customer hardware, link conditions, and mission requirements
• Serve as the technical interface between Northwood and customers for RF-related topics
• Debug and resolve system-level issues across RF, digital, and software boundaries
• Develop and execute test plans for system validation, including lab and field environments
• Work closely with DSP, FPGA, and RF design engineers to ensure designs are robust and deployable
• Support deployment, bring-up, and commissioning of RF systems in the field

Basic Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with RF hardware and lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, network analyzers)
• Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs) and digital communication systems
• Solid understanding of RF fundamentals, including link budgets, interference, and signal integrity
• Strong debugging skills across hardware and system-level issues
• Demonstrated ownership of a system or integration outcome

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with satellite communications or space systems
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and system validation frameworks
• Experience working directly with customers or in field deployment roles
• Knowledge of digital communications standards (CCSDS, DVB-S2X)
• Experience integrating RF systems with FPGA or embedded platforms
• Comfort working across disciplines, including RF, DSP, firmware, and software
• Experience developing automated test and validation pipelines

Compensation and Benefits

• Electrical Engineer/Level 1: $100,000 - $140,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 2: $140,000 - $170,000 per year
• Base salary determined by job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience
• Equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, potential performance bonuses
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, 401(k), short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various perks