RF Engineer

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona seeks an RF Engineer to design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for its next-generation satellite navigation. The role covers spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring systems to ensure high-precision PNT delivery.

The candidate will work with RF design in L/S/C-bands, utilize tools like Keysight ADS and AWR, and collaborate across engineering teams to calibrate test setups and validate results.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of RF engineering experience.
• Understanding of RF principles and performance metrics.
• Ability to read PCB schematics and layouts; familiarity with Altium.
• Hands-on use of RF test equipment (multimeters, scopes, generators, analyzers).
• RF design experience in L-band, S-band, and C-band.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for Xona's PNT backend.
• Develop spacecraft payload electronics and ground monitoring interfaces.
• Analyze RF data and ensure performance meets design requirements.
• Calibrate RF test setups and validate test results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Skills

RF design

EM principles

PCB schematics understanding

RF test data analysis

space RF concepts (multipaction)

GNSS knowledge

communication across teams

travel willingness

Tools

Keysight ADS

AWR Microwave Office

Altium

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Signal generators

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.