Electrical Engineer; Early Career

Electrical Engineer (High Speed, Mixed Signal Electronics)

As an Electrical Engineer at Northwood, you will drive the electrical design of high-speed digital systems, own key aspects of PCB development, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to optimize overall system performance. You will contribute to architecture trades, prototype bring-up, testing in lab and field settings, and ensure designs transition smoothly to production. Your work will directly support our mission to enable faster, more capable space operations through innovative ground infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

• Drive electrical design for high-speed digital communication systems, implementing RF and mixed-signal designs in complex, multilayer PCBs
• Work with 100G high-speed networking, intricate digital power trees, and lead system trades to inform architecture decisions
• Perform schematic capture, PCB layout oversight, and bring-up/validation on diverse digital systems including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and associated peripherals
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, RF, antenna, FPGA, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and design integration
• Test prototypes rigorously in the lab and field to assess and improve performance
• Partner with production teams to develop testable, manufacturable products for efficient in-house integration and scaling

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 0-4+ years of professional experience in electrical design (internships, co-ops, and project experience qualify)

Preferred

Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in high-density/high-speed PCB design, including FPGAs, high-speed data converters, Ser Des, 10/100 GigE networking, and JESD
  204C interfaces
• Strong experience with schematic capture tools and best practices in PCB layout for signal integrity and power distribution
• Hands-on troubleshooting of EMI/EMC issues (conducted or radiated)
• Knowledge of PCB materials selection and board stack-up definition for high-performance applications
• Familiarity with soldering, hot air rework, and prototype assembly techniques
• Experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept through production ramp-up
• Strong collaborative skills, enthusiasm for solving complex engineering challenges, and passion for advancing space communications technology

Compensation and Benefits:

Electrical Engineer/Level 1: $100,000 - $110,000 per year

Electrical Engineer/Level 2: $104,000 - $130,000 per year

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package  may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts.

Additional Information:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.