RF Engineer

Xona Space Systems, Inc.; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space Systems, Inc. in Burlingame, CA is seeking an RF Engineer to design, implement, test and optimize RF systems for our next-generation PNT satellite navigation infrastructure.

You will work on spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring systems to deliver high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, characterization of RF hardware, and collaboration across engineering teams.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of RF engineering experience.
• Understanding electromagnetic principles underlying RF communications.
• Ability to interpret PCB schematics and layout drawings, with familiarity using PCB design tools such as Altium.
• Hands-on experience using electrical and RF test equipment: multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers.
• RF design experience in L-band, S-band and C-band.
• Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools: Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office.
• Hands-on experience developing and calibrating RF test setups.
• Ability to analyze RF test data and assess performance against design requirements.
• Experience with space RF electronics, including multipaction.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for Xona's PNT system.
• Work on spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring systems.
• Analyze RF test data and ensure performance meets design requirements.

Skills

RF engineering

EM principles

PCB interpretation

RF test data analysis

RF design in bands

lab/testing skills

multipaction awareness

Tools

Altium

Keysight ADS

AWR Microwave Office

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 an RF Engineer at Xona, you'll design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems that enable our next-generation satellite navigation system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground monitoring systems, your work will help ensure our end-to-end RF broadcast system delivers Xona's high-accuracy, high-precision positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service.

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of RF engineering experience.
• Understanding of electromagnetic principles underlying RF communications and common RF system performance metrics.
• Ability to interpret PCB schematics and layout drawings, with familiarity using PCB design tools such as Altium.
• Hands-on experience using electrical and RF test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
• RF design experience in L-band, S-band, and C-band.
• Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools such as Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office.
• Hands-on experience developing and calibrating RF test setups.
• Ability to analyze RF test data and assess performance against design requirements.
• Experience with space RF electronics, including an understanding of phenomena such as multipaction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering teams.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel to support off-site testing events as needed.
• A proactive approach to moving projects from design through implementation.
• Knowledge of or experience with GNSS systems.
• Hands-on experience or coursework in antenna design or testing.
• Familiarity with 3D electromagnetic simulation tools such as Ansys HFSS.
• Experience tuning RF amplifiers and circuits.
• A track record of RF PCB or antenna designs that have been built and tested.
• Experience implementing passive or active RF subsystems on the bench or on PCBs.

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.