RF Systems Architect Verified today
About the role
Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations. As RF Systems Architect, you will translate customer needs and network-level analysis into concrete product definitions: what the company builds, how it performs, and how it scales. You will work closely with Sites, Business Development, and Engineering leadership to aggregate demand across customers, shape product direction, and drive alignment on market offerings.
Key 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.
Required 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.
- Working knowledge of RF systems, ground stations, satellite communications, or related infrastructure.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- 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
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. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers equity, stock options, cash awards, discretionary bonus, health care, unlimited vacation, retirement savings, and professional development.
Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.