DSP Engineer Verified today
About Northwood
Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company building a global network of phased array ground stations for satellite communications. We design, build, and deploy scalable systems for national security, global connectivity, and disaster response missions.
The Role
Own the definition and development of modem algorithms for our next-generation radio platform. You will work within our in-house SDR and FPGA infrastructure, taking substantial ownership over the modem end-to-end from waveform definition through implementation and validation. You will think fluently in waveforms and signal chains and move that thinking into real implementation, working closely with RF, FPGA, and systems engineers.
Responsibilities
- Own the definition and development of modem algorithms end-to-end, from requirements through implementation and validation
- Define waveform processing chains including synchronization, pulse shaping, equalization, and related signal-processing functions for SDR platform or FPGA implementation
- Partition and implement modem signal-processing functions across FPGA logic and embedded/host-based compute 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
- 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 systems
Employment Requirements
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.