Mechanical Engineer II – Propulsion Spacecraft Fluid Systems

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and qualify fluid delivery and pressurized gas systems for satellite environments. You will own this subsystem end-to-end, from architecture to qualification testing, integrating with the satellite bus.

You will collaborate with structures, electrical, and software teams, performing hands-on mechanical design, testing, and process development across prototyping, spacecraft integration, and production.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 2–5 years designing fluid or gas delivery systems.
• Experience with pressurized system design and leak testing.
• Hands-on with solenoid valves, flow controllers, and pressure regulation hardware.
• Proficient in CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar).
• Understanding of flow regimes (continuum and free molecular).
• Experience in qualification/acceptance test programs.
• Onsite work in Burlingame, CA.

Responsibilities

• Design and simulate fluid delivery systems spanning high pressure to free molecular flow regimes.
• Select, specify, and qualify fluid system components for spaceflight use.
• Develop and assemble ground testing infrastructure including enclosures for high‑pressure tests.
• Specify and implement flow control logic, valve sequencing, and fault protection.
• Develop and integrate automation software for ground test operations and system control.
• Write work instructions, test procedures, and assembly documentation for flight hardware.
• Ensure compliance with DOT certification standards for pressurized systems.
• Own CAD models, drawings, and BOMs for fluid system assemblies.

Skills

Fluid delivery systems

Pressurized system design

Ground testing

System integration

Problem solving

Education

B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

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 Mechanical Engineer to join Xona’s satellite hardware team in Burlingame, CA. In this role, you will design, build, and qualify fluid delivery and pressurized gas systems for satellite environments. You will own this subsystem end‑to‑end, from architecture to component selection through qualification testing and integration with the satellite bus.

You will work closely with structures, electrical, and software engineers to deliver reliable, flight‑qualified hardware. This is a hands‑on role spanning mechanical design, test, and process development, with opportunities to contribute throughout the development lifecycle from early prototyping through spacecraft integration and into production.

What You’ll Do

• Design and simulate fluid delivery systems spanning high pressure to free molecular flow regimes.
• Select, specify, and qualify fluid system components (valves, transducers, filters, regulators, etc.) for spaceflight use.
• Develop and assemble ground testing infrastructure including enclosures and safety‑critical containment hardware for high‑pressure test operations.
• Specify and implement flow control logic, including valve sequencing, setpoint management, and fault protection.
• Develop and integrate automation software for ground test operations and system control.
• Write work instructions, test procedures, and assembly documentation for flight hardware.
• Ensure compliance with DOT certification standards and applicable regulations for pressurized system transport and operation.
• Own CAD models, drawings, and BOMs for fluid system assemblies.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of experience designing fluid or gas delivery systems, preferably in aerospace, semiconductor, or related industries.
• Experience with pressurized system design, leak detection, and proof or burst testing.
• Hands‑on experience with solenoid valves, flow controllers, and pressure regulation hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar).
• Understanding of flow behavior across pressure regimes, including continuum and free molecular flow.
• Experience designing and executing qualification or acceptance test programs.
• Strong problem‑solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to work onsite in Burlingame, CA.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with high vacuum systems and vacuum‑compatible materials and processes.
• Experience with automation or control software for fluid systems (LabVIEW, Python, or similar).
• Familiarity with tubing standards, fittings (e.g., Swagelok, AN/MS), and tube routing practices.
• Working knowledge of DOT certification and hazardous pressure system regulations.
• Experience writing work instructions or procedures for flight hardware.
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration and mechanical design for space environments.

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.