Senior Mechanisms Engineer at Northwood Space in Los Angeles, CA

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 seeking a talented and motivated Senior Mechanisms Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, testing, and production of mechanisms for precision actuation of RF and antenna structures. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including RF engineers, antenna designers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing teams, to ensure the seamless integration of mechanisms with antenna systems.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop antenna actuators to meet product design requirements.

• Develop design criteria working with RF, software, and network engineers.

• Perform kinematic analysis, stress and strain calculations, and fatigue analysis to ensure the mechanical systems can endure the loads and environmental conditions they will face.

• Optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, and cost, ensuring smooth integration with the RF and antenna design requirements.

• Plan and conduct testing of mechanisms, including performance validation, RF system validation, and mechanical stress testing. Ensure all designs meet required standards for both mechanical reliability and RF system performance. Validate motor and actuator integration in real-world scenarios.

• Develop tooling for the fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanisms used in antenna systems. Provide production support by troubleshooting issues related to mechanisms, and ensure smooth assembly processes for large-scale antenna deployment.

• Prepare detailed design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and test plans, ensuring compliance with industry standards for both mechanical and RF systems. Ensure that all designs meet safety standards and regulatory requirements for antenna and RF system integration.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience designing, implementing, and testing actuation systems.

• 5+ years of experience using CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, or similar).

• Experience with thermal and mechanical simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS).

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, including kinematics, materials selection, and structural analysis.

• Ownership of at least one precision actuation system from clean sheet to production.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, coating, injection molding, and additive manufacturing.

• Basic understanding of electrical systems and components to ensure a holistic approach to system design

• Basic understanding of RF systems and devices.

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.

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Compensation:

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. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses. Benefits include equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, flexible spending accounts, flexible time off, 10 or more paid holidays per year, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional development.

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.