GNC Software Engineer

Xona Space Systems; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space Systems in Burlingame, CA, is seeking a GNC Software Engineer to design, implement, and validate flight software for autonomous spacecraft operations. You will work on estimators, controllers, state machines, and GNC interfaces across simulation and on-orbit environments.

The role emphasizes model-based development with MATLAB/Simulink, C++, Python, and rigorous testing in SIL/HIL, with close collaboration across GNC, Flight Software, and simulation teams.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience developing GNC software for autonomous platforms
• Hands-on experience implementing estimators, controllers, and state machines
• Experience with model-based development and automatic code generation using MATLAB/Simulink
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate GNC algorithms using model-based development processes
• Implement state machines and FDIR logic for robust autonomous operations
• Develop and maintain GNC software interfaces within the flight software architecture
• Design, implement, and maintain SIL/HIL test campaigns to validate GNC performance
• Develop unit tests and regression tests to ensure software reliability
• Collaborate with simulation, hardware, and Flight Software teams to support end-to-end GNC system integration

Skills

GNC software development

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Unit tests

Git

Linux development

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Git

Linux

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.

We are seeking a GNC Software Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team. In this role, you will develop, integrate and validate flight software that enables autonomous operation of spacecraft. You’ll work closely with GNC and Flight Software engineers to deploy estimators, controllers, and state machines in real-time flight environments, supporting missions from simulation through on-orbit or in-flight operation.

What You'll Do

• Develop and integrate GNC algorithms using model-based development processes
• Implement state machines and FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) logic for robust autonomous operations
• Develop and maintain GNC software interfaces within the flight software architecture
• Design, implement, and maintain software- and hardware-in-the-loop (SIL/HIL) test campaigns to validate GNC performance and reliability
• Develop unit tests and regression tests to ensure software reliability
• Collaborate with simulation, hardware, and Flight Software teams to support end-to-end GNC system integration and validation

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience developing GNC software for spacecraft, UAVs, or other autonomous platforms
• Hands-on experience implementing and testing estimators, controllers, and state machines
• Experience with model-based software development and automatic code generation using MATLAB/Simulink
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience developing unit tests, regression tests, and debugging software in simulation or embedded environments
• Proficiency with Git version control and Linux-based development environments

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering
• Experience implementing FDIR strategies and autonomous mode management using state machines
• Hands-on experience with software- and hardware-in-the-loop (SIL/HIL) simulation environments
• Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and automated software testing
• Understanding of spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), including sensors, actuators, and onboard estimation and control algorithms.

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.