Linux Software Engineer, Xona Space Systems
$140-200k
Office located in Burlingame, CA
Satellite navigation system
Be an early applicant
Satellite navigation system
21-100 employees
Be an early applicant
$140-200k
Office located in Burlingame, CA
21-100 employees
Company mission
To remove the boundaries from modern technologies by providing precise and protected navigation services anywhere on Earth.
Role
Who you are
- Strong proficiency in Linux kernel driver development, device-tree management, or embedded C/C++ programming
- Demonstrated experience with embedded Linux build systems, such as Yocto, PetaLinux, or Buildroot
- Solid understanding of hardware/software interface validation methodologies
- Proven experience implementing embedded communication protocols and interfaces (e.g., CAN, RS-422/485, I2C, SPI, Ethernet)
- Excellent analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities and collaborative teamwork skills
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (ie Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (per U.S. export controls)
- You love writing clean, robust, and maintainable Linux kernel drivers and embedded software, thriving when diving deeply into complex hardware integrations
- You have a passion for building reliable device drivers and solving intricate technical challenges at the kernel and system levels
- You have high attention to detail, are methodical, and are comfortable debugging code in Linux-based real-time embedded environments
- You enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines, proactively identifying risks, and solving challenging technical problems
Desirable
- Experience with on-orbit operations, fault detection, isolation & recovery (FDIR), or embedded autonomy
- Prior experience developing Linux-based embedded systems software in aerospace or similarly rigorous industries
- Hands-on experience working with satellite hardware, custom PCBs, or spacecraft testbeds
- Passion for documentation and strong documentation disciplines
What the job involves
- We’re looking for a Linux Device Driver Software Engineer to develop, integrate, and optimize the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) software for our satellites
- You will drive the creation of Linux kernel device drivers, OS abstraction components, and related integration procedures
- You'll work closely with hardware engineering, integration & test, and GNC teams to establish robust software methodologies and practices that scale effectively as our satellite constellation grows
- This is a hands-on role that will influence many facets of our satellite embedded systems, including Linux kernel development, custom driver creation, hardware/software interface validation, real-time performance optimization, digital tooling, technical documentation, and operational reliability
- Develop, integrate, and optimize Linux kernel device drivers and related software components for satellite subsystems, writing production-quality embedded code daily
- Execute comprehensive hardware/software integration test campaigns, emphasizing detailed driver validation and system stability
- Collaborate closely with hardware engineering, integration & test, and operations teams to implement robust hardware/software interfaces, manage fault conditions, and develop effective mitigation strategies
- Continuously improve device driver codebases, HAL components, and integration procedures, contributing to long-term reliability and scalability
- Translate complex hardware interfaces and operational workflows into clear technical documentation, ensuring maintainability and knowledge transfer
- Optimize Linux-based software performance, stability, and resilience, enhancing spacecraft operational reliability
Our take
Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) is crucial for autonomy, tying vehicles to their environment and making autonomous operation possible. Xona Space Systems is developing a network of small satellites to provide high-precision PNT services, essential for modern technologies like autonomous vehicles and robotics.
The company has set its sites on pushing the limits of modern technology, setting itself apart in its space with its PULSAR service, which offers superior accuracy, availability, and security compared to traditional GPS. This makes it crucial for the widespread adoption of autonomous systems in unstructured environments.
The company has already secured millions in Series A funding, which will accelerate the deployment of its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. Its partnerships with the US Space Force and industry leaders highlight the growing confidence in its innovative approach, while future plans include the commercialisation of PULSAR, which will enable autonomous systems to operate effectively anywhere.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Company
Funding (last 2 of 7 rounds)
May 2024
$19m
SERIES A
Aug 2023
$1.2m
GRANT
Total funding: $54.3m
Company HQ
Baywood Park, CA
Leadership
Brian Manning
(CEO)Previously worked as a Responsible Engineer on Thrust Structure for SpaceX, and an Engineering Manager for Power Solutions International.
Tyler Reid
(CTO)Was also a Lecturer at Stanford University and a Research Engineer in Controls and Automated Systems at Ford Motor Company.
Adrien Perkins
(VP of Engineering)Worked as a Research Assistant for Stanford University and was Lead Software Developer at Callsnapp.
Bryan Chan
(VP of Corporate Strategy)Also the Co-Founder, President and CEO at Night Crew Labs. Previously Co-founded and was Technical Director for Mothership Communications.
Jerami Martin
(Mechanical Lead)Also works as a Mechanical Design and Systems Engineer at Pumpkin. Prior to this, they were an Engineer at Crosstrac Engineering.
Kazuma Gunning
(Director of Navigation and Software)Previously worked as a GNSS Modeling and Simulation Engineer for Booz Allen Hamilton and was a Doctoral Student at Stanford University.
Paul Tarantino
(Director of Integration and Test)After studying at Stanford University, they went on to work as a Propulsion and Fluid Flight Systems Engineering Intern for the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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