Mechanical Design Engineer, Mechanisms
Northwood Space
About Northwood:
Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between earth and space and bring the benefits of space to the masses through innovations in space communications technologies. If you like building quickly and seeing your work deployed in locations around the globe with real impact, we want you at Northwood.
Job Level:
The level of this position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. We are open to considering candidates of varying experience levels, from mid-career to principal.
Role Overview:
Northwood is seeking a talented and motivated Mechanical Design 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 mechanical 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 and specify 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
2+ 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
Experience working with motors, actuators, and other mechanical components used for precision motion and actuation
Preferred Qualifications:
4+ years of experience designing actuation systems.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, coating, injection molding, and additive manufacturing
Experience with environmental and reliability testing procedures for mechanical systems
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.
