Manufacturing Engineer

About the role

Northwood is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our dynamic team, specializing in the production and assembly of advanced satellite communications ground stations. You will be directly responsible for developing scalable manufacturing processes, supporting hardware integration, and making critical decisions on equipment and capability investments to optimize cost, quality, and lead time. This role combines hands-on production support with strategic planning to help shape the future of Northwood’s manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for complex antenna systems, including precision RF assemblies and advanced electronic integration.
• Design and validate tooling, fixtures, and assembly processes to ensure repeatability, efficiency, and reliability.
• Translate engineering designs into robust production workflows.
• Partner with design teams early in development to drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and seamless transition from prototype to production.
• Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to increase yield and reduce defects in tightly integrated electromechanical systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed work instructions, process flows, and assembly documentation.
• Support environmental, thermal, and RF performance testing by creating appropriate handling, alignment, and test setups.
• Evaluate, specify, and procure production equipment to support manufacturing needs, balancing floor space, budget, and scalability.
• Lead make-versus-buy trade studies to determine what capabilities should be brought in-house versus outsourced.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g., Siemens NX) for tooling and fixture design.
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or related hands-on hardware experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing methods including precision assembly, welding, adhesives, and mechanical fastening.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and creativity to resolve issues on the production floor.
• 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, you must 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.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• This role requires being on-site 5 days per week.
• 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.

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing work instructions, process flows, and assembly documentation.
• Hands-on experience with complex electromechanical or RF hardware.
• Basic understanding of electrical and RF systems to ensure effective integration during assembly and test.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible time off.
• 10 or more paid holidays per year.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses.
• Equity.

Pay

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.