Joblaze summary

The RF Systems Architect at Northwood Space plays a crucial role in defining the product architectures for a global network of advanced ground stations. This position requires expertise in RF systems and a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on translating customer needs into scalable technical solutions. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in cross-functional roles, particularly in communications and satellite infrastructure. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams, making it suitable for professionals who thrive in dynamic environments.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 8, 2026. Last confirmed on Northwood Space's careers page November 8, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at Northwood Space: Torrance, CA.
Salary band is in line with the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$127,000).
Starts above 29% of 1314 comparable senior other roles in United States we track (median $141,450 across 187 companies).
RF Systems appears in 0.3% of 2740 comparable senior other roles in United States; Satellite Communications appears in 0.2% of 2740 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

What's the salary range?: Northwood Space lists $129,582–$230,400 for this role.
How much experience is required?: 5–10 years of relevant experience for this RF Systems Architect role.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: RF Systems, Satellite Communications, Systems Engineering.
Does Northwood Space sponsor work visas for this role?: Yes — the posting indicates visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate.
What seniority level is this role?: Northwood Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this RF Systems Architect role at Northwood Space.

From the original posting

Role:

Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations, and we’re looking for an RF Systems Architect to define the products that power that network. You will translate customer needs and network-level analysis into concrete product definitions – what we build, 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 what Northwood brings to market. This role is highly cross-functional and high-leverage, sitting at the intersection of customer requirements, system design, and product execution / evolution.

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:

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

Additional Information:

Standard company text repeated across Northwood Space's postings is omitted here.

RF Systems Architect

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