Lead Network Engineer (Space Communications)

Lead Network Engineer

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.

Northwood is looking for a Lead Network Engineer to design and build our global network backbone that will connect our phased array antennas worldwide. As we rapidly scale our space communications network and establish ground stations across the globe, we need someone who can architect robust, high-performance networking solutions that ensure reliable connectivity for mission-critical space communications.

You'll be responsible for designing and implementing the core network infrastructure that enables our global operations, from physical layer connectivity to advanced routing protocols. This role will have significant impact on our network architecture as we expand internationally, and you'll work closely with engineering teams, data center partners, and service providers to establish world-class network infrastructure. We're seeking someone with deep networking expertise who thrives in building scalable, resilient networks for mission-critical applications.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement global network backbone architecture to connect phased array antennas and ground stations worldwide
• Build out physical and logical network infrastructure including fiber connectivity, transport networks, and DWDM systems
• Deploy and configure enterprise networking equipment including switches, routers, firewalls, and optical transport systems
• Implement advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS) and manage peering relationships with service providers and internet exchanges
• Design and deploy mesh networking architectures and SD-WAN solutions to meet operational requirements
• Coordinate data center deployments, cross-connects, and circuit activations across multiple global locations
• Implement network security functions including firewalls, VPNs, and zero-trust architectures
• Troubleshoot complex network issues across all layers from physical fiber to application-level connectivity
• Optimize network performance and capacity planning for high-throughput space communications data
• Collaborate with product teams to integrate networking requirements with space communication systems

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline AND 5+ years of professional networking experience; OR 7+ years of professional networking experience in lieu of degree
• Hands-on experience with Layer-1 technologies including fiber optics, DWDM, optical transport, and circuit troubleshooting
• Experience with data center build-outs, equipment deployment, and coordinating with colocation providers
• Strong experience bringing up and configuring switches, routers, firewalls, and optical networking equipment
• Deep understanding of routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and internet routing architectures
• Experience with service provider networks, MPLS, and carrier-grade networking solutions
• Proficiency with networking vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, or similar enterprise platforms
• Ability to work independently and lead complex network infrastructure projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in technical or engineering discipline
• Industry certifications (CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent vendor certifications)
• Experience with NetBox or similar network documentation and IP address management systems
• Cloud networking experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP including VPC design and hybrid connectivity
• Experience with SD-WAN architectures and software-defined networking
• Knowledge of network security implementations and zero-trust architectures
• Background in telecommunications, satellite communications, or mission-critical networking
• Experience with network automation, scripting, and infrastructure as code
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance if required for government contracts

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 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space 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.