DSP Engineer

Northwoodspace

Torrance, CA

On-site

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience building end-to-end software-defined radio systems and working in space communications.

Best fit for

Candidates with experience in full-cycle SDR development and satellite communications systems
— “architect and develop our next-generation radio platform from the ground up”
Engineers who have previously led hardware-software integration for complex RF platforms
— “Demonstrated ownership of a complex hardware-software system from architecture through bring-up and operational validation”
Individuals with a strong grasp of signal chain partitioning across multiple domains
— “Define how signal-processing functions are partitioned across RF hardware, FPGA logic, embedded software, and host-based compute”

Things to consider

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required due to ITAR export regulations
— “To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations”
This role involves significant cross-functional collaboration across RF, FPGA, and embedded teams
— “Collaborate across RF, electrical, DSP, and FPGA teams on hardware design, embedded software, waveform integration”

How to stand out

Highlight your end-to-end system ownership in your resume and interview narratives
— “Demonstrated ownership of a complex hardware-software system from architecture through bring-up”
Emphasize experience with signal chain components such as RF transceivers and data converters
— “Strong understanding of the complete radio signal chain, including RF front ends, frequency conversion”
Showcase your ability to define and execute architecture decisions for mixed-signal systems
— “Translate waveform and system requirements into radio specifications and make architecture decisions”
Demonstrate knowledge of FPGA development and high-throughput interfaces like PCIe or Ethernet
— “Experience with FPGA development, embedded C/C++ or Rust, and high-throughput interfaces such as Ethernet”
Position yourself as someone who has built scalable systems for real-world deployment
— “rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions”

Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Senior

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

Architect and develop a software-defined radio platform from initial concept through production deployment
Translate waveform and system requirements into radio specifications
Define signal-processing functions partitioning across RF hardware, FPGA logic, embedded software, and host-based compute

Typical background

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related fieldExperience in software-defined radios, wireless communications systems, radar systems, or similar RF platforms

Skills & requirements

Required

DSPRF Transceiver SelectionData ConvertersClocking StrategyFPGAProcessor ArchitectureEmbedded SoftwareIntegration With Modem And Antenna Systems

Preferred

SDRRfsocsDirect-rf SamplingJesd204 InterfacesIntegrated RF TransceiversHigh-speed Adcs And DacsFPGA DevelopmentEmbedded C/c++RustHigh-throughput Interfaces

Stack & domain

Software-defined RadiosWireless Communications SystemsRadar SystemsRF TransceiversData ConvertersClockingDigital ProcessingSystem ControlFpgasEmbedded ProcessorsHigh-speed Data ConvertersRfsocsDirect-rf SamplingJesd204 InterfacesIntegrated RF TransceiversHigh-speed Adcs And DacsEmbedded C/c++RustHigh-throughput InterfacesEthernetPcieDMACollaborationProblem-solvingOwnershipCommunicationCommunications TechnologySatellite MissionsNational SecurityGlobal ConnectivityDisaster ResponsePhased Array Ground StationsModem And Antenna Systems

About the role

Original posting from Northwoodspace via Ashby

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:
We are looking for a DSP Engineer to own the definition and development of modem algorithms for our next-generation radio platform. You will work within our existing in-house SDR and FPGA infrastructure, taking substantial ownership over the modem end-to-end — from waveform definition through implementation and validation.
You will work closely with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to integrate modem algorithms into a high-performance communications platform for our satellite ground network.
This role is a great fit for an engineer who thinks fluently in waveforms and signal chains and is comfortable moving that thinking into real implementation, without needing to own the surrounding RF hardware, data-converter, clocking, or embedded systems architecture.
Responsibilities:
Own the definition and development of modem algorithms end-to-end, from requirements through implementation and validation
Define waveform processing chains — synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and related signal-processing functions — for implementation on an in-house SDR platform or FPGA
Partition and implement modem signal-processing functions across FPGA logic and embedded/host-based compute, working within the existing hardware platform
Collaborate with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers to integrate modem algorithms into the end-to-end system and validate performance
Develop and run communication system tests to characterize modem performance under realistic channel impairments
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree with 0-4 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field
Experience developing modems or waveform processing chains for SDR, wireless communications, radar, or similar RF systems
Strong understanding of digital communications theory: CCSDS waveforms, BPSK/QPSK/OQPSK, DVB-S2, carrier synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and Doppler effects
Demonstrated ability to carry waveform algorithms from analysis and prototyping through to a working implementation, rather than stopping at simulation
Working understanding of the complete signal chain and how modem design decisions interact with RF and hardware constraints
Experience with communication system testing and performance characterization
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with bit-equivalence verification through FPGAs
Familiarity with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio
Experience with real-time signal processing
Systems programming skills in C++ or Rust, with Rust especially valued
Experience with beamforming, radar, or electronic warfare (EW) systems
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.

Source: Northwoodspace careers (Ashby)