Head of FPGA Engineering

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between Earth and space. Satellites are only as powerful as the ground systems that connect to them - without that critical infrastructure, they can’t be steered or send their data back to Earth. Northwood’s global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail. We take a vertically integrated approach to building an end-to-end ground system, delivering technology that is scalable and reliable for both government and commercial customers.

Backed by over $100M from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Washington Harbour Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, Founders Fund, and others, Northwood has proven its ability to move fast – we’ve stood up a fully operational site in Australia in just 3 months, where similar efforts typically take years.

Northwood is rapidly scaling its global footprint, with 30+ sites planned across 2026 and 2027. We’re building and deploying infrastructure at a pace the industry hasn’t seen before. If you thrive on building quickly, solving hard problems, and seeing your work deployed globally on critical missions, we want you at Northwood.

HEAD OF FPGA ENGINEERING
As Head of FPGA at Northwood Space, you will be responsible for executing on our ambitious digital roadmap to connect Earth and space. You would own the FPGA design for Northwood’s phased array systems, which integrate high-speed signal processing and data transport. Simultaneously, you would be laying a strong foundation with FPGA best practices and automated infrastructure. As a player-coach, you lead by example and by providing the context and mentorship for a team of 5 - 10 FPGA engineers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead: Guide project architecture and work with other teams to nail down interfaces and requirements. Plan and prioritize work for the FPGA team to deliver mission-critical projects on aggressive timelines.

• Grow the team: Mentor and develop the existing team of ~5 FPGA engineers, in addition to recruiting new talent to support upcoming projects.

• Build strong foundations: Steer the development of FPGA internal processes and infrastructure that allows the team to move rapidly.

• Stay Sharp: Dive in as deep as necessary to keep projects moving.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7-10+ years of professional experience and typically at least a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, etc.

• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and lead complex projects

• Expert in RTL Design (SystemVerilog or VHDL)

• Experience working on FPGA SoCs like Zynq or similar

• Experience with FPGA build systems and automated testing

• Experience with DSP and/or networking on FPGA

• Experience with schematic review and hardware bring-up

• Proficient in Python

• Strong work ethic and drive to succeed

• Ability to thrive in a fast paced and demanding start-up atmosphere

• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

• In-person in Torrance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Startup experience

• Aerospace experience

• Experience with C/C++ or rust

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

FPGA Engineering Manager/Level 3: $184,000 - $230,000 per year

FPGA Engineering Manager/Level 4: $208,000 - $304,000 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 at Northwood. You 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.