Mechanical Engineer II

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

Job summary

A navigational intelligence company in California is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of mechanical hardware for RF systems from design through manufacturing, assembly, integration and test. The role demands strong SolidWorks skills, mechanical design experience, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment. Candidates should possess problem-solving skills and attention to detail. This position ensures the delivery of high-accuracy PNT services, offering exciting challenges and significant responsibility.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of aerospace mechanical design experience.
• Experience managing configuration of top-level assemblies in CAD.
• Knowledge of design-for-manufacturing (DFM).

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of mechanical hardware for RF systems.
• Write clear documentation and support hands-on test operations.
• Ensure end-to-end RF broadcast system delivery.

Skills

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Mechanical and thermal analytic abilities

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks PDM

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.

As a Mechanical Engineer on the Payload Hardware team Xona, you'll take ownership of mechanical hardware for RF systems from design through manufacturing, assembly, integration and test. From spacecraft payload electronics to antennas to MGSE (mechanical ground support equipment), your work will ensure the end‑to‑end RF broadcast system delivers Xona’s high‑accuracy and high‑precision PNT service.

This is a high‑ownership, fast‑moving role with significant responsibility for delivering hardware on schedule, writing clear documentation, and supporting hands‑on test operations. Candidates must be comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment alongside other disciplines, anticipating next steps, and driving projects forward without constant direction.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 1-4 years of aerospace mechanical design experience.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM.
• Experience owning CAD designs and generating manufacturing drawings for machined and additive manufacturing parts as well as cables.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods and design trade‑offs.
• Knowledge of design‑for‑manufacturing (DFM).
• Experience performing mechanical design of complex electronics enclosures.
• Experience managing configuration of top‑level assemblies in CAD and creating and maintaining bills of material for assemblies to transfer to production.
• Demonstrated fundamentals with mechanical and thermal analytic abilities.
• Willing and able to travel to support off‑site testing events as needed.
• Self‑starter attitude and proactive in seeing projects from design through implementation.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, cross‑team collaborative environment.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve project goals.
• 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).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on hardware build and test experience for space systems.
• Demonstrated ownership of flight hardware from clean sheet through flight and production handoff.
• Experience with schedule and integration requirements while working together with the Assembly, Integration, and Test team to enable a smooth build process.
• Knowledge of material trades for the launch and space environment.
• Experience supporting vibration and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
• Experience with procedures that govern how CAD interacts with PLM.

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.