GNC Hardware Test Engineer - Spacecraft Sensor Validation

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 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.