Optical Systems Engineer

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.

OPTICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Northwood is looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to lead analysis, testing, and integration of optical ground station systems for space communications. In this role, you’ll work closely with the CTO and engineering team to evaluate and validate free-space optical communication systems deployed at Northwood ground sites. You’ll contribute across the full lifecycle of optical system development - from architecture and link analysis through experimental validation and field testing. This is a highly hands-on role at the intersection of optics, communications, and aerospace infrastructure, ideal for someone who has experience bringing complex systems into real-world deployment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Apply optics and photonics expertise to the definition and refinement of free-space optical system requirements and architectures

• Evaluate optical communication systems to understand performance, tradeoffs, and operational constraints

• Develop and execute test campaigns to characterize system performance and readiness

• Analyze test data and troubleshoot issues in optical hardware, alignment, and signal performance

• Work across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate optical subsystems into production systems

• Contribute to opto-mechanical design considerations including alignment, stability, and environmental robustness

• Support system bring-up, integration, and field deployment of optical communication systems

• Lead integration of optical terminals into ground station environments, including site constraints, power, thermal, and environmental considerations

• Contribute to operational readiness of optical links, including monitoring, reliability, and uptime considerations

• Work with network and mission operations teams to support end-to-end optical link performance

• Analyze performance across different site locations to inform network-wide optimization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in optical engineering, physics, or a related engineering discipline

• 5+ years of experience in optical system design, photonics, or laser-based systems (research or industry)

• Experience working with optical modeling, analysis, or simulation tools

• Hands-on experience with optical laboratory equipment and experimental validation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s or PhD in optics, photonics, physics, or a related field

• Experience with free-space optical communication systems or laser communications

• Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, or similar

• Experience with optical alignment, metrology, and characterization techniques

• Knowledge of atmospheric propagation effects relevant to optical links

• Experience integrating optical hardware with mechanical and electronic systems

• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis and automation

• Strong experimental intuition and ability to rapidly prototype and test new concepts

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Optical Engineer/Level 1: $100,000 - $120,000 per year

Optical Engineer/Level 2: $120,000 - $145,000 per year

Optical Engineer/Level 3: $129,000 - $175,000 per year

Optical Engineer/Level 4: $146,000 - $197,000 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.

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