Navigation Algorithms Engineer

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

Job summary

Xona is seeking a Navigation Algorithms Engineer to join our Ground Software team. This hands-on role focuses on core estimation pipelines and monitoring the Pulsar constellation for centimeter-level accuracy.

Ideal candidates have strong statistics/estimation backgrounds and experience in C++ and Python, with familiarity in navigation or signal processing. This role supports real-time GNSS solutions on a global scale.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics or related field.
• Strong background in statistics and estimation theory (e.g., least squares, Kalman filtering).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python programming demonstrated in projects or internships.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain tools to monitor constellation health and performance in real time.
• Collaborate on PPP and other estimation pipelines across the navigation stack.
• Partner with the navigation team to ship prototypes into production.

Skills

Statistics

Estimation theory

C++

Python

Navigation experience

Signal processing

Education

MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

PPP

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.

Overview

We're looking for a Navigation Algorithms Engineer to join our Ground Software team.

This is a hands-on algorithm role: you'll build tools that keep an eye on constellation health and work on the core estimation pipelines, including Precise Point Positioning (PPP), that make centimeter-level accuracy possible. This role is a great fit for someone with a solid foundation in statistics and estimation who wants to apply it to real satellite navigation systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Constellation Monitoring: Develop tools to monitor the health, availability, and performance of the Pulsar constellation and GNSS signals in real time.

• Estimation Pipelines: Collaborate on and help validate Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithms and other estimation pipelines across the navigation stack.

• Collaboration & Growth: You'll collaborate closely with our navigation engineering team to ship early-stage prototypes and develop them into core pieces of our production pipeline

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.

• Solid foundation in statistics and estimation theory (e.g., least squares, Kalman filtering) from coursework, research, or project experience.

• Familiarity programming in both C++ and Python.

• Internship, academic research, or project-based experience with navigation, estimation, or signal processing is welcomed in place of industry experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior exposure to PPP algorithms or implementations.

• Familiarity with GNSS receiver internal mechanics or the GNSS signal processing chain.

• Familiarity with GNSS data formats (RINEX, SP3, RTCM).

• Familiarity with orbital mechanics, reference frames, and time systems.

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.