RF Test Engineer

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona is seeking a hands-on RF Test Engineer to own testing of RF systems powering our next-generation PNT service. You will design test campaigns for payloads and RF subsystems, build lab fixtures, and develop automated test scripts.

This role is in-person and requires depth in hardware testing and problem-solving across the satellite bus. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in RF testing for aerospace or telecom, strong Python scripting, and a passion for robust, repeatable measurements.

Qualifications

• B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on RF testing—aerospace/defense/telecom preferred.
• Deep familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, generators).
• Strong RF fundamentals: link budgets, S-parameters, impedance matching.
• Python scripting for test automation and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and execute test plans for RF systems (payload, bus, links).
• Build and maintain RF test setups with VNAs, spectrum analyzers, generators, meters.
• Develop automated test scripts and data capture tools.
• Analyze RF test data to validate performance and margins.
• Troubleshoot RF anomalies at board, subsystem, and system levels.
• Support environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC).
• Collaborate with subsystem teams to ensure coverage vs requirements.
• Contribute to test requirements and verification matrices across development lifecycle.

Skills

RF testing

Lab work

Python scripting

Problem solving

Communication

Education

B.S./M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

VNAs

Signal generators

Power meters

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

Xona is building the next generation of satellite navigation - a high-performance, resilient alternative to GPS powered by a commercial constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. We are on a mission to unlock a new era of autonomy, advanced mobility, and infrastructure resilience by delivering precise, secure, and robust positioning services to the world.

We’re not here to incrementally improve GNSS. We’re here to redefine it from the ground up.

We’re looking for a highly motivated and hands‑on RF Test Engineer to join our growing team and take ownership of testing the RF systems that power our next generation service. In this role, you’ll be instrumental in designing and executing test campaigns for everything from our mission-critical payload to the RF subsystems that tie together the satellite bus. This is an in-person role that demands technical depth, creativity, and a strong desire to build and break hardware in service of a mission.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced, startup environment, enjoy getting your hands on flight hardware, and take pride in designing test setups that are both clever and rock solid, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, and execute test plans for a wide range of RF systems, including payload transmit/receive chains, telemetry/command links, GNSS receivers, and interconnects across the satellite bus
• Build and maintain RF test setups using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and custom fixtures
• Develop automated test scripts and data capture tools to accelerate and standardize test workflows
• Perform detailed analysis of RF test data to validate system performance and characterize margins
• Troubleshoot RF anomalies at the board, subsystem, and system level
• Support environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF test instrumentation and monitoring
• Work closely with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage aligns with mission requirements
• Contribute to the definition of test requirements and verification matrices across the full satellite development lifecycle

You Might Be a Fit If

• You take pride in building reliable, high-quality test systems and seeing them used to validate flight hardware
• You enjoy hands‑on work in the lab and are comfortable working directly with complex RF systems
• You approach testing as an opportunity to learn, improve, and de‑risk — not just verify
• You’re confident interpreting unexpected results and methodically tracking down root causes
• You’re proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently to push tests forward
• You thrive in a fast‑paced environment where priorities evolve and your contributions directly impact mission success
• You get a thrill out of isolating a weird RF issue down to a connector, solder joint, or firmware setting
• You like working on cross‑functional teams where your input shapes hardware, software, and system decisions
• Hands‑on, solutions‑first mindset — you're comfortable debugging at the system level.
• Ability to move fast, make decisions, and pivot when needed without getting stuck.
• Great communicator who can break down complex ideas for teammates and stakeholders.
• Passion for building real‑world systems that go beyond theory.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience in RF testing, preferably in aerospace, defense, or telecommunications
• Deep familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, etc.)
• Strong foundation in RF fundamentals, including link budgets, S-parameters, gain/loss calculations, and impedance matching
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python for test automation and data analysis
• Comfort working in lab environments and around flight hardware
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines

Desired Qualifications

• Experience testing RF systems in space environments (TVAC, EMI/EMC, vibration, etc.)
• Familiarity with satellite communication protocols (e.g., CCSDS, DVB-S2, S-band, C-band, L-Band)
• Understanding of digital signal processing and RF impairments
• Experience with GNSS systems and signal acquisition
• Familiarity with configuration control and documentation practices in a hardware development environment

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.