GNC Hardware Test Engineer

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona in Burlingame, California, is seeking an engineer to build and maintain test jigs for sensor performance evaluation. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in hardware testing and sensor integration, as well as familiarity with various communication interfaces.

Applicants should possess a BS or MS in a relevant engineering discipline and be proficient in scripting with Python, MATLAB, or C++. This position offers opportunities to work in a dynamic lab environment with advanced navigation technologies.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with hardware testing and sensor integration.
• Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors.
• Experience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, and C++ for test scripting.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues.
• Strong hands-on engineering mindset and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance.
• Integrate and test various sensors.
• Develop and debug sensor communication over interfaces.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software.
• Design fixtures and test equipment using 3D printing.
• Write scripts and test tools in Python, MATLAB, and C++.

Skills

Hardware testing

Sensor integration

Embedded systems

Robotics

Communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN)

Python

MATLAB

C++

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering

BS or MS in Computer Engineering

BS or MS in Robotics

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Pixhawk

CAD software

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.

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.