GNC Hardware Test Engineer

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space is seeking a hands-on GNC Hardware Test Engineer in Burlingame, CA to build, integrate, and validate sensor and test hardware for spacecraft GNC systems. This is a lab‑oriented role across sensors, embedded hardware, test software, and rapid prototyping.

You will develop test jigs, integrate IMUs, GNSS receivers, sun sensors and star trackers, and write Python, MATLAB, and C++ scripts to automate tests.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Hardware testing

Sensor integration

Embedded systems

Robotics

Aerospace projects

Lab debugging

Test scripting

Python

MATLAB

C++

Linux

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

BS or MS in Computer Engineering

BS or MS in Robotics

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Pixhawk

3D printing

CAD

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Git

Job description

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

For Canada Roles: Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.