RF Test Engineer - Spaceborne RF Systems

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 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.