Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive health care, flexible vacation, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

About Northwood

Northwood Space is revolutionizing Earth-space connectivity with a mission to make the benefits of space accessible to all through innovative communications technologies. Founded in 2022 by CEO Bridgit Mendler and top SpaceX engineers, we are building a global network of ground stations to enable seamless, scalable, and cost-efficient satellite data transmission. Backed by over $30 million in funding from top-tier investors like Founders Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Alpine Space Ventures, Northwood is redefining the space industry’s ground infrastructure. If you’re driven to build groundbreaking infrastructure, tackle complex engineering challenges, and see your work deployed globally with transformative impact, join Northwood to shape the future of space connectivity.

Role

Northwood is building a global network of ground stations to support cutting-edge satellite communications, and we’re seeking an International Site Development Engineer to lead the charge. You’ll drive hardware development, site selection, and construction: from initial concepts to operational satellite links. Based at our Los Angeles HQ, you’ll work closely with internal teams and international partners, tackling complex challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Frequent travel to domestic and international sites is required. We’re looking for a proven problem-solver with a builder’s mindset, capable of managing large-scale projects under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global Deployments. Own the installation of antennas and site hardware from the field, at sites around the world.

• Design for Scale. Engineer and iterate site layouts, mounting structures, power layouts, and rack infrastructure with speed, simplicity, and cost in mind.

• Prototype and Build. Drive R&D for new site hardware — take ideas from napkin sketch to field-tested deployment.

• Keep Us Online. Oversee live operations, monitor system performance, and troubleshoot issues to keep our stations operating at peak performance.

• Manage Partners. Collaborate with domestic and international partners, contractors, and network providers to coordinate deployments and deliver sites.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical or civil engineering, with a focus on hardware design, deployment, or operations

• Experience managing and delivering large engineering projects involving multiple stakeholders, budgets, and timelines

• Extremely proactive, able to operate autonomously, and excited to take ownership of your work

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Hands-on field experience with construction, facilities, or hardware installation, including HVAC, power distribution, or networking systems.

• Familiarity with dashboards and databases (e.g., Grafana, SQL) for system monitoring.

• Willingness to travel frequently to domestic and international ground station sites.

• Knowledge of low-voltage power systems, backup batteries, generators, or international electrical standards.

Benefits

Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Northwood’s total compensation package. Additionally, Northwood offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:

• Platinum Healthcare Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans fully covered by Northwood, with little to no cost to you.

• Generous Company Holiday Calendar: Includes 10 paid holidays.

• Unlimited PTO: Flexible time-off policy to support work-life balance.

• Fully Paid Lunch and dinner program, plus fully stocked micro-kitchens with snacks and beverages.

• Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: Both traditional and Roth 401(k) options available.

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 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.

Compensation Range: $115K - $165K