Electrical Architect

Role

Northwood is looking for an Electrical Architect to help drive the definition and architecture of our digital compute and power electronics systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the electrical architecture and system-level design for high-speed digital communication systems, defining how RF and mixed-signal designs, complex multi-layer PCBs, and subsystems fit together
• Define system-level architecture for multi-gigabit networking and complex digital power trees, and drive system trades that shape architecture decisions across the product
• Set technical direction and review schematic capture, layout, and bring-up across a variety of digital systems including FPGAs, microcontrollers, and their associated peripherals
• Collaborate across hardware and software teams with RF engineers, antenna engineers, FPGA engineers, and firmware engineers to optimize system performance and overall design
• Guide prototype testing and performance assessment in the lab and in the field, with an eye towards system-level root cause and risk
• Partner with production teams to ensure the overall system architecture supports testable and manufacturable products that we can integrate in-house

Basic Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of professional experience in electrical design, including experience operating at the system or architecture level
• Proficient in high-density/high-speed design (including FPGAs, high speed data converters, SerDes, 10/100 GigE, networking, JESD204C)
• Proficient in schematic capture and good PCB layout design
• Experience with troubleshooting EMI/EMC, either conducted or radiated
• Knowledge of PCB materials and developing board stack-up definition
• Experience with full product lifecycle (concept through production), including owning architecture-level decisions across that lifecycle

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing high-speed mixed-signal electronics and complex multilayer PCBs for FPGA- or processor-based systems
• Strong expertise in high-speed interfaces and networking technologies such as multi-gigabit SerDes, DDR, JESD204B/C, and 10/100G Ethernet
• Deep understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation, PCB stack-up definition, and high-performance board layout practices
• Proven experience leading hardware development from architecture and prototype bring-up through validation, manufacturing, and production ramp
• Hands-on experience debugging complex hardware systems using advanced lab instrumentation and driving root-cause analysis across board and system levels
• Able to lead cross-functional technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and make sound engineering tradeoffs in fast-paced development environments

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation

• Electrical Engineer/Level 3: $122,400 - $153,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 4: $144,000 - $180,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 5: $180,000 - $225,000 per year
• Electrical Engineer/Level 6: $204,000 - $255,000 per year

Benefits

• Equity
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible time off
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Retail savings plans
• Opportunities for professional development