GNC Hardware Test Engineer , Xona Space Systems
$130-150k
+ Offers Equity
More information about location
Office located in Burlingame, CA
Satellite navigation system
Open for applications
Satellite navigation system
101-200 employees
Open for applications
$130-150k
+ Offers Equity
More information about location
Office located in Burlingame, CA
101-200 employees
Company mission
To remove the boundaries from modern technologies by providing precise and protected navigation services anywhere on Earth.
Role
Who you are
- Hands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or similar lab-based engineering work
- Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers
- Experience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar protocols
- Experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development
- Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using lab tools and structured debugging methods
- Strong hands-on engineering mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced lab environment
Desirable
- BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Internship, academic, research, or professional experience with spacecraft, UAVs, robotics, avionics, or embedded systems
- Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, or automated test systems
- Experience using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar platforms
- Experience with 3D printing, CAD, and rapid fixture design
- Familiarity with Linux, Git, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general lab equipment
What the job involves
- We’re looking for a GNC Hardware Test Engineer to help build, integrate, and validate sensor and test hardware for spacecraft GNC systems. This is a hands-on lab role ideal for someone who enjoys working across sensors, embedded hardware, test software, and rapid prototyping
- Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance
- Integrate and test sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers
- Develop and debug sensor communication over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN
- Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software, sensors, actuators, and flight-like interfaces
- Use platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar embedded systems for prototyping and test automation
- Design simple fixtures, mounts, and test equipment using 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods
- Write scripts and test tools in Python, MATLAB, and C++
- Work with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues and validate hardware performance
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 secured $270 million to date, its 2026 round being used to 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
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 10 rounds)
Mar 2026
$170m
SERIES C
Jun 2025
$92m
SERIES B
Total funding: $336.3m
Company HQ
Baywood Park, CA
Leadership
Brian Manning
(Co-Founder & CEO)Previously worked as a Responsible Engineer on Thrust Structure for SpaceX, and an Engineering Manager for Power Solutions International.
Tyler Reid
(Co-Founder & CTO)Was also a Lecturer at Stanford University and a Research Engineer in Controls and Automated Systems at Ford Motor Company.
Adrien Perkins
(Co-Founder & VP of Engineering)Worked as a Research Assistant for Stanford University and was Lead Software Developer at Callsnapp.
Bryan Chan
(Co-Founder & 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
(Co-Founder & Director of Payload Mechanical)Also works as a Mechanical Design and Systems Engineer at Pumpkin. Prior to this, they were an Engineer at Crosstrac Engineering.
Kazuma Gunning
(Co-Founder, Vice President & Navigation Services)Previously worked as a GNSS Modeling and Simulation Engineer for Booz Allen Hamilton and was a Doctoral Student at Stanford University.
Paul Tarantino
(Co-Founder & 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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