RF Regulatory Engineer
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.
Role:
Northwood is looking for a Regulatory Affairs Engineer to help design, analyze, and execute the technical work that enables our systems to operate globally. In this role, you’ll own regulatory engineering efforts end-to-end: performing RF and spectrum analyses, translating technical constraints into licensing-ready inputs, and working closely with internal engineering teams, regulators, and external partners to support market access and compliance. This is a highly hands-on role at the intersection of RF engineering, policy, and systems integration, ideal for someone who enjoys turning complex regulatory constraints into clear, executable paths that unlock real-world deployment.
Responsibilities:
Simulations and Analysis
Perform technical analysis related to RF interference, spectrum sharing, and satellite coordination
Develop and run simulations considering regulatory and geographic constraints, RF link budgets, Northwood network growth, customer expansion, coordination strategies, etc.
Translate technical analyses into strategic regulatory recommendations in support of customer capture and business development efforts.
Licensing Engagement
Engage with U.S. and international regulators (FCC, DoD, NASA, NOAA, and others) regarding existing licenses, new applications, and ongoing compliance activities
License arrangement
Support regulatory compliance and certification activities across Northwood programs, operating as a technical integrator across engineering, growth, legal, and government affairs.
Draft, manage, and submit licensing, coordination, and permitting materials to the relevant regulatory entity and/or coordinating party.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
Experience in a system design, manufacturing, design, or test engineering role (internships and project experience are applicable)
Experience in MATLAB, Python, C++ or other tools for modeling and analyzing RF systems
Preferred Experience and Skills:
Master's degree in an engineering, physical science, or space policy discipline
Understanding of satellite hardware and orbital mechanics
Project management skills, including organizing information, concisely communicating within a team and excellent time management abilities
Experience coordinating across responsible engineers and technical areas
Able to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with other engineers, managers, and U.S. Government agencies
Excellent communication and writing skills, and the ability to succinctly present information and assessments
Highly self-motivated with strong organizational skills - able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment with ongoing drive for continuous improvement in all aspects of work
Ability to quickly grasp knowledge of a diverse range of hardware and analyses that go into making Northwood missions reliable and successful
Project management skills, including organizing information, concisely communicating within a team and excellent time management abilities
Additional Requirements:
This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
Additional Information:
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
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 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space 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.