Space RF Test Engineer: Design & Validate Flight Hardware

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space, a leader in advanced satellite navigation, is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own RF test campaigns for payloads and subsystems. This in-person role in Burlingame, CA, focuses on designing test setups, executing tests, and validating performance on flight hardware.

You will build automated test workflows, analyze RF data, and troubleshoot issues across the RF chain. Strong lab skills, aerospace experience, and collaboration with cross-functional teams are essential as we push the

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on RF testing experience, preferably in aerospace/defense/telecom
• Strong foundation in RF fundamentals including S-parameters and impedance matching
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting for test automation and data analysis
• Comfort working in lab environments and around flight hardware
• Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and execute RF test plans for payload transmit/receive chains, telemetry/command links, and GNSS receivers
• Build and maintain RF test setups using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and power meters
• Develop automated test scripts and data capture tools to accelerate workflows
• Analyze RF test data to validate performance and characterize margins
• Troubleshoot RF anomalies at board, subsystem, and system levels
• Support environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF instrumentation
• Collaborate with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage meets mission requirements
• Define test requirements and verification matrices across the satellite development lifecycle

Skills

RF test experience

Python scripting

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Spectrum analyzers

Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs)

Signal generators

Job description

Xona Space, a leader in advanced satellite navigation, is seeking an RF Test Engineer to own RF test campaigns for payloads and subsystems. This in-person role in Burlingame, CA, focuses on designing test setups, executing tests, and validating performance on flight hardware.

You will build automated test workflows, analyze RF data, and troubleshoot issues across the RF chain. Strong lab skills, aerospace experience, and collaboration with cross-functional teams are essential as we push the