Senior Software Engineer (Space Communications)

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are revolutionizing the way connectivity is established between Earth and outer space. Our mission is to democratize access to space technology by innovating advanced space communications systems. If you are eager to rapidly develop solutions that have a global impact, we encourage you to join our dynamic team at Northwood.Ro…

Join Northwood's Mission: At Northwood, we're revolutionizing the way the world connects with space and making the advantages of space technology accessible to everyone. If you're passionate about rapid deployment and seeing your innovations make a global impact, we want you on our team.Your Role: Help us secure the new frontier of internet connectivity for space. Northwood is establishing a worldwide network of phased array ground stations that will transform satellite communications. This high-throughput infrastructure is crucial for both governmental and commercial operations. We are seeking a Senior Security Engineer to create robust security frameworks that will support our rapid growth while adhering to the highest compliance standards in the industry.Key Responsibilities:Innovate Security from Scratch: You'll be architecting security solutions for cutting-edge ground station infrastructure and unique space communication protocols.Secure High-Stakes Operations: Design and implement security measures for our phased array antennas, which monitor hundreds of satellites across various orbits, ensuring national security missions are protected.Manage the Entire Stack: From RF protocols to Kubernetes clusters, you'll deploy enterprise SIEM solutions that can handle terabytes of data while ensuring compliance with the strictest audit requirements.Trailblaze Security for Space Communications: As we build unprecedented infrastructure, you will develop security protocols and serve as the main security liaison with the Space Force and other governmental entities.Lead Incident Response: Oversee incident response and threat hunting operations across our global network, collaborating with engineering and compliance teams to uphold security standards.Automate Compliance Processes: Create efficient compliance pipelines that enable swift deployment cycles while meeting FedRAMP and NIST 800-171 requirements.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are dedicated to revolutionizing connectivity between Earth and space, making the wonders of space accessible to everyone through groundbreaking innovations in space communications technology. If you are passionate about working in a fast-paced environment where your contributions have a global impact, Northwood is the place for you.Role Overview:We are seeking a highly skilled RF Regulatory Engineer who will play a pivotal role in designing, analyzing, and executing the technical tasks that facilitate our systems' global operations. You will lead regulatory engineering initiatives from start to finish: conducting RF and spectrum analyses, converting technical constraints into licensing-ready materials, and collaborating with internal engineering teams, regulatory bodies, and external partners to ensure market access and compliance. This position blends RF engineering, policy, and systems integration, perfect for those who excel at navigating complex regulatory landscapes to create actionable strategies for real-world deployment.Key Responsibilities:Simulations and Analysis:Conduct technical analyses related to RF interference, spectrum sharing, and satellite coordination.Develop and execute simulations that account for regulatory and geographical constraints, RF link budgets, network expansion, and coordination strategies.Transform technical analyses into strategic regulatory guidance that supports business development and customer acquisition efforts.Licensing Engagement:Engage with U.S. and international regulatory agencies (e.g., FCC, DoD, NASA, NOAA) regarding current licenses, new applications, and compliance activities.License Arrangement:Facilitate regulatory compliance and certification processes across Northwood programs, serving as a technical integrator among engineering, growth, legal, and government affairs teams.Prepare, manage, and submit licensing, coordination, and permitting documentation to appropriate regulatory authorities.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the way the world connects with space. Our innovative space communication technologies aim to make the benefits of space accessible to everyone. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to see your contributions make a global impact, we invite you to join us.Role Overview:As a Senior Business Recruiter, you will play a crucial role in identifying and securing exceptional talent that aligns with our ambitious goals. Collaborating closely with hiring managers and leadership teams, you will develop tailored recruitment strategies and oversee the entire hiring lifecycle from sourcing to onboarding. This position is based in our Torrance, CA office, requiring in-person attendance five days a week.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are on a groundbreaking mission to revolutionize connectivity between Earth and space, making the wonders of space accessible to all through cutting-edge space communications technologies. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your innovations are deployed globally and make a tangible impact, we invite you to join our team.Role:We are seeking a dynamic Lead Network Engineer to spearhead the design and implementation of our global network backbone, connecting our phased array antennas across the globe. As we rapidly expand our space communications network and establish ground stations worldwide, we require an expert who can architect robust, high-performance networking solutions to ensure reliable connectivity for mission-critical space communications.In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for designing and implementing the core network infrastructure that underpins our global operations, ranging from physical layer connectivity to advanced routing protocols. Your contributions will significantly influence our network architecture as we scale internationally, collaborating closely with engineering teams, data center partners, and service providers to establish world-class network infrastructure. We are looking for an individual with profound networking expertise who excels in building scalable, resilient networks for mission-critical applications.Responsibilities:Architect and implement a global network backbone to interconnect phased array antennas and ground stations worldwide.Develop and deploy both physical and logical network infrastructures, including fiber connectivity, transport networks, and DWDM systems.Install and configure enterprise networking equipment, such as switches, routers, firewalls, and optical transport systems.Implement advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS) and manage relationships with service providers and internet exchanges.Design and deploy innovative mesh networking architectures and SD-WAN solutions to meet operational needs.Oversee data center deployments, cross-connects, and circuit activations across multiple global locations.Implement network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, and zero-trust architectures.Diagnose complex network issues across all network layers and provide effective solutions.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are pioneering the development of a data highway connecting Earth to space, aiming to democratize access to the benefits of space through groundbreaking innovations in space communications technology. If you're passionate about rapidly creating impactful solutions that reach global audiences, we invite you to join our dynamic team.The Role:We are in search of a Senior Manufacturing Engineer (Machining) to spearhead the establishment and expansion of our in-house machining capabilities for high-performance hardware utilized in our satellite communication ground stations.This position merges hands-on machining and CAM expertise with strategic capability development. You will take full ownership of the process, from selecting and acquiring CNC equipment to designing the shop layout, building durable fixturing, programming parts, training operators, and leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost, and delivery timelines.Key Responsibilities:Develop and execute a comprehensive roadmap to build and scale our internal machine shop, including capability definition, machine selection, procurement, and commissioning.Research, assess, and acquire CNC machines and complementary equipment (workholding, tooling, metrology, material handling), ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints, space optimization, throughput, and scalability.Oversee machine delivery logistics, installation processes, acceptance testing, and ongoing maintenance strategies.Design the machine shop layout, operational workflows, and safety standards, encompassing material flow, tool control, inspection processes, and chip/coolant management.Create and validate machining fixtures and workholding solutions to enhance repeatability, efficiency, and product quality.Establish, manage, and update CAM programs and machining documentation, including setups, tool lists, inspection plans, and standard operating procedures.Operate machines as necessary to facilitate development and production, and to validate new processes and programs.Provide training for operators and produce operator-facing work instructions, troubleshooting resources, and escalation protocols.Lead continuous improvement efforts targeting yield enhancement, cycle time reduction, scrap minimization, and process capability, including conducting root-cause analyses and implementing corrective actions.Collaborate closely with design engineering on design for manufacturability (DFM), tolerancing strategies, inspection methodologies, and make/buy decisions for machined components.

About Northwood:Northwood is dedicated to revolutionizing the connection between Earth and space, making space technology accessible to everyone through cutting-edge innovations in communication systems. If you thrive in a dynamic environment where your work has a global impact, consider joining our team at Northwood.Role:We are seeking a talented Embedded Software Engineer to design and develop the embedded systems for our state-of-the-art ground stations. You will have the unique opportunity to build systems from the ground up in a fast-paced team of hardware and firmware engineers. Our goal is to create a scalable and secure platform using modern tools. Proficiency in embedded Linux and security is essential. Come be a part of our mission!Responsibilities:Develop a custom Linux operating system for our embedded devices.Implement an over-the-air update system.Define security requirements and architecture.Diagnose and resolve bugs and issues reported by internal and external customers.Work on the framework for user-space applications.Collaborate with FPGA and hardware engineers on system architecture.

About Northwood:Northwood is dedicated to revolutionizing connectivity between Earth and space, delivering the advantages of space to everyone through cutting-edge innovations in space communications technology. If you have a passion for rapid development and want to see your contributions deployed globally with significant impact, we invite you to join our team at Northwood.Position Level:The specific level of this role will be based on the qualifications and expertise of the selected candidate. We welcome applicants with a diverse range of experience, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals.Role Overview:As a Senior Simulation Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing a global network of next-generation ground stations. You will be responsible for developing analytical tools that provide insights into network planning and ground site deployment. Your expertise will help answer critical questions such as the optimal number of antennas required for each site and the ideal locations for our next installations. You will work closely with teams in business development, site rollout, RF engineering, and software development. This is a high-impact role that will shape our company's strategy and global network expansion. The position is located at our headquarters in Los Angeles, with potential travel to customer sites or ground station locations.Key Responsibilities:Design and create internal simulation tools to model, analyze, and visualize Northwood's international ground network architecture.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business development and client stakeholders, to translate mission requirements into scalable network designs and execution strategies.Enhance network capacity, utilization, and site performance to optimize revenue generation and operational efficiency.Make crucial network design decisions, including antenna counts per site, coverage geometry, throughput specifications, fault tolerance, and global deployment timelines.Generate data-driven insights and communicate actionable plans to engineering and operations teams.Present network strategies, trade studies, and investment proposals to executive leadership, linking them to revenue implications and deployment schedules.

Northwood develops advanced space communications technology that bridges Earth and space. The team works to make space-based benefits accessible to people everywhere, with an emphasis on rapid development and practical results. This full-time Software Engineer position is based in Torrance, CA, and is open to new graduates and early career professionals. Engineers at Northwood contribute to the design, construction, and improvement of global connectivity services. Projects range from managing antenna systems to building APIs that give customers access to the network. The technical scope is broad, and engineers often take responsibility for key components. Northwood’s software development spans the entire stack, including manufacturing systems and global data transfer. The team values candidates who enjoy working across different areas and have a strong foundation in at least one technical domain. Main Focus Areas Edge Systems (Ground Station): Design and develop control systems for ground station hardware. Write software that interacts with embedded systems and RF modems. High Bandwidth Data Movement: Architect and optimize data pipelines for efficient transfer between ground stations and other environments. Work on low-latency, high-throughput data distribution and contribute to Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) features. Cloud Orchestration & Distributed Systems Design: Design distributed systems to manage the global ground network, covering both cloud and on-premises infrastructure.

Join Divergent as a Senior Robotics Software Engineer and play a pivotal role in transforming the future of robotics. In this position, you will design, develop, and optimize advanced robotic systems that enhance automation and efficiency across various industries. You will work closely with a talented team of engineers to create innovative solutions that push the boundaries of technology.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the way we connect Earth and space, making space technology accessible to everyone through groundbreaking innovations in space communications. If you thrive on rapid development and want to see your contributions make a real difference around the world, we invite you to join our team.Job Level:This position's level will be defined based on the qualifications and experience of the chosen candidate. We welcome applicants from various experience levels, from early-career to seasoned professionals.Role:To shape the future of our ground station network, we are seeking a DSP Engineer who understands that delivering mission-critical data relies on robust waveforms and physical layer technologies. You will play a crucial role in the development of our software-defined radio systems, focusing on the design and implementation of physical layer algorithms for modem and beamforming applications. You will manage the entire lifecycle of signal processing algorithms—from initial concept and floating-point modeling to fixed-point implementation and field validation—while collaborating closely with FPGA engineers and contributing to RF systems analysis, ensuring that we deliver reliable communication links to our customers.This position is ideal for an engineer with a solid foundation in numerical analysis and programming who is eager to dive deep into DSP and satellite communications. We value your ability to think critically and build effectively over the number of years you have been in the field.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are dedicated to establishing a transformative data highway between Earth and space, making the advantages of space accessible to everyone through cutting-edge innovations in space communications technology. If you're passionate about rapid development and wish to see your contributions deployed globally with meaningful impact, Northwood is the place for you.Role Overview:We are seeking a Chief of Staff to the CTO who will play a pivotal role in amplifying the effectiveness of Northwood’s engineering leadership. By converting technical insights into actionable strategies, you will ensure the seamless execution of multifaceted product and engineering initiatives. Your collaboration with the CTO, engineering leaders, and business development teams will be crucial in transforming strategic objectives into clear, actionable plans and maintaining alignment as Northwood continues to grow. This highly trusted position requires a proactive approach at the intersection of technical leadership, execution, and organizational clarity.Key Responsibilities:CTO Enablement & ExecutionAct as a strategic collaborator to the CTO, evaluating priorities and influencing technical direction.Lead complex, cross-functional projects to successful completion, ensuring clear accountability and results.Represent the CTO in critical meetings, aligning teams and reinforcing engineering priorities across the organization.Program & Resource ManagementCollaborate with engineering leadership to define and adapt resource allocation across product and technical priorities.Establish clear ownership structures and visibility of execution across major engineering projects.Implement and facilitate streamlined operational rhythms, including planning reviews and execution checkpoints.Consolidate progress, risks, and dependencies into succinct updates for leadership.Ensure consistent communication and alignment among engineering, product, and business development teams.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the connection between Earth and space, delivering the advantages of space technology to everyone through cutting-edge innovations in space communication. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited to see your contributions make a real difference on a global scale, we invite you to join our team.Position Overview:In the position of Technical Recruiter, you will play a vital role in sourcing, attracting, and securing exceptional technical talent to propel our ambitious projects forward. You will work closely with both hiring managers and leadership to identify staffing needs, create effective recruitment strategies, and oversee the entire hiring process from candidate sourcing to onboarding. This is an in-office role based in our Torrance, CA, or Washington D.C. office, requiring your presence five days a week.Key Responsibilities:Collaborate with hiring managers to grasp job requirements and formulate effective recruitment strategies.Identify, screen, and engage highly skilled candidates for engineering, software development, hardware roles, and other technical positions.Employ a variety of sourcing techniques, including direct outreach, networking, job boards, social media, and industry events to establish a robust talent pipeline.Conduct initial interviews to evaluate candidates’ qualifications, technical proficiency, and cultural fit.Manage the full recruitment cycle, including interview scheduling, candidate communication, offer negotiations, and onboarding coordination.Optimize and maintain the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for tracking candidate progress and recruitment analytics.Enhance employer branding initiatives to attract top-tier talent.Stay informed of industry trends and talent market dynamics to refine competitive hiring strategies.

Divergent is a pioneering technology firm that has designed and developed a groundbreaking factory system known as the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). This innovative platform leverages machine learning to efficiently engineer, additively manufacture, and seamlessly assemble intricate vehicle structures and subsystems. Products manufactured using DAPS demonstrate exceptional performance, reduced costs, rapid customization for specific missions and customer needs, expedited market readiness, and scalability for high-volume production. As a recognized Tier 1 supplier to global automotive OEMs, Divergent is also venturing into the Aerospace and Defense sector. Join us in this transformative journey, where your contributions will shape the future of technology and manufacturing.PurposeBecome a part of Divergent as we revolutionize the design and manufacturing of complex systems. Our proprietary 3D metal printing and digital manufacturing technologies are redefining production standards, enabling unparalleled speed, scalability, and performance.In the role of Senior Software Engineer, you will spearhead the development of machine control systems that drive our next-generation manufacturing platform. This high-impact position allows your technical expertise to significantly enhance system performance, reliability, and the strategic trajectory of our software stack.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the connection between Earth and space, striving to democratize access to the advantages of space through cutting-edge communications technologies. If you are passionate about swift innovation and wish to see your contributions make a tangible difference globally, we invite you to join our dynamic team.Role Overview:We are seeking an experienced Senior Electrical Engineer to spearhead the advancement of our digital computing and power electronic systems. These intricate digital solutions are essential for ensuring our antennas meet demanding processing requirements, irrespective of their deployment locations worldwide. Our hardware team is committed to delivering superior engineering solutions, crafting products celebrated for their reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.Key Responsibilities:Lead the electrical design for high-speed digital communication systems, emphasizing RF and mixed-signal designs within complex multilayer PCBs.Engage with 100G high-speed networking and intricate digital power architectures, driving decisions on system design trade-offs.Execute schematic capture, layout, and bring-up across various digital systems, including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and their peripherals.Collaborate effectively with RF engineers, antenna specialists, FPGA developers, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and enhance design quality.Conduct prototype testing and evaluate performance both in laboratory settings and real-world environments.Partner with production teams to develop testable and manufacturable products for in-house integration.Qualifications:5-7+ years of professional experience in electrical design, preferably within aerospace or telecommunications sectors.Expertise in high-density/high-speed designs, including FPGAs, high-speed data converters, SerDes, and networking technologies (10/100 GigE, JESD204C).Proficient in schematic capture and possess strong PCB layout skills.Experience in troubleshooting EMI/EMC challenges, both conducted and radiated.Familiarity with PCB materials and the development of board stack-up definitions.Knowledge of soldering techniques and hot air rework processes.Understanding of the complete product lifecycle from concept through to production.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the way we connect with space. Our mission is to make the vast benefits of space communications technology accessible to everyone. If you're passionate about rapid deployment and making a tangible impact on a global scale, Northwood is the perfect place for you.Role Overview:We are seeking a Senior Site Engineer to spearhead the development of our global ground station network. This role demands a proactive problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced environments and has a proven history of managing large-scale projects. You will oversee hardware and operational advancements, site selection, and construction efforts. Expect to travel frequently, leading initiatives hands-on from various locations. This position is based in our Los Angeles headquarters but involves regular domestic and international travel.Key Responsibilities:Construct the Network: Lead the installation of antennas, power systems, racks, and infrastructure at Northwood sites globally, traveling to oversee operations directly.Site Identification and Acquisition: Strategically locate and secure ground station sites, ensuring optimal performance, rapid deployment, and cost efficiency.Site Engineering: Develop the architecture, hardware, and processes for each site to enhance deployment speed and reduce costs.Operational Management: Supervise live operations, monitor performance metrics, and troubleshoot issues to ensure maximum efficiency of our stations.Partnership Management: Collaborate with internal teams, contractors, and logistics to coordinate successful deployments and site completions.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are dedicated to creating a revolutionary data highway that bridges Earth and space, making the wonders of space accessible to everyone. Our cutting-edge innovations in space communications technology are setting new standards in the industry. If you're passionate about rapid development and want to see your contributions making a global impact, we invite you to join our dynamic team.Role Overview:As a Senior RF Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing and validating communication systems that connect satellites with ground stations. Your expertise will guide the design of our ground network and portal through strategic RF performance evaluations. Collaborating with a diverse team of electrical, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and software engineers, you will help transform innovative concepts into market-ready products.Key Responsibilities:Conduct thorough system performance analyses and establish top-level specifications for RF/antenna systems and signal processing to identify areas needing additional testing or design modifications.Plan and execute integrated system tests (internally or with clients) concentrating on physical layer performance metrics (G/T and EIRP) or modem performance indicators (BERT, sensitivity, EVM, spectral masks).Model high-level signal processing—including both software and hardware components—to assist in modem and beamforming design.Design and model antenna systems and evaluate trade-offs, including phased array tapering, pointing/tracking algorithms, and beamforming architectures.Offer technical support to regulatory bodies and site operations during technical submissions.Basic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant engineering discipline.A minimum of 5 years of experience in analyzing RF systems and digital signal processing using tools such as MATLAB, Python, or Rust.At least 5 years of hands-on experience with RF testing equipment, including Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) and spectrum analyzers.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with RF components such as filters, amplifiers, and antennas.Background in modem design or transmitter/receiver emulation for testing purposes.Proficiency in conducting link budget analysis, power flux density calculations, dilution of precision assessments, Doppler effects, antenna pattern evaluations, and more.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are committed to revolutionizing the way connectivity is established between Earth and space, enabling everyone to reap the rewards of space through cutting-edge innovations in communication technologies. If you thrive on building impactful solutions rapidly and wish to see your contributions deployed worldwide, we invite you to join our dynamic team.Role Overview:We are actively seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to spearhead the analysis, testing, and integration of optical ground station systems tailored for space communications. This role involves close collaboration with the CTO and our engineering team to assess and validate the free-space optical communication systems utilized at Northwood's ground sites. You will play a pivotal role throughout the entire lifecycle of optical system development, encompassing architecture design, link analysis, and experimental validation through field testing. This hands-on position sits at the crossroads of optics, communications, and aerospace infrastructure, making it perfect for individuals with a proven track record in deploying complex systems in real-world scenarios.

About Northwood Space:At Northwood Space, we are committed to forging a transformative data highway between Earth and space, democratizing access to space through groundbreaking innovations in space communication technologies. Join us if you are passionate about rapid development and want your contributions to have a global impact.Role Overview:As a Senior RF Hardware Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the design and optimization of RF electronics. Your expertise will directly influence the architecture of our ground networks and portals by assessing RF performance trade-offs. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including electrical, RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and software engineers, to ensure our products transition seamlessly from concept to production.

About Northwood:At Northwood, we are pioneering the future of connectivity between Earth and space, making groundbreaking advancements in space communications technology that bring the wonders of space within reach of everyone. If you are passionate about rapid development and want your contributions to have a global impact, Northwood is the place for you.Role:We are seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer to join our Distributed Systems team at our Torrance, CA office. In this role, you will play a crucial part in the design, implementation, and optimization of data and control plane functionalities across our expansive global ground station network. You will work hand-in-hand with cross-functional teams and clients to devise innovative solutions that ensure reliable, efficient, and scalable systems. Your expertise in distributed and scalable systems will be pivotal in meeting our performance and reliability objectives.Key Responsibilities:Take ownership of the Distributed Systems responsible for managing, provisioning, and configuring Northwood’s core infrastructure and network.Design and implement control and data planes that guarantee seamless integration across both on-premises and cloud environments, focusing on low latency and high throughput.Collaborate with customers to define secure and scalable interfaces for Telemetry, Tracking, and Control (TT&C) and payload data transfer, prioritizing simplicity and extensibility.Develop, test, deploy, and maintain critical applications for ground services, including APIs and services for spacecraft communication, as well as data processing pipelines capable of handling gigabytes of data per second.Contribute to the design and implementation of a robust monitoring solution to ensure continuous uptime of Northwood's hardware and software systems.Collaborate closely with software, network, and FPGA engineers to design Northwood's hybrid network and software deployments, optimizing for performance and scalability.