Spacecraft GNC Test Engineer: Sensor Hardware & Prototyping

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

Job summary

Xona Space Systems is seeking a hands-on GNC Hardware Test Engineer to build, integrate, and validate sensor and test hardware for spacecraft GNC systems. The role blends lab work with rapid prototyping across sensors, embedded hardware, and test software.

You will create test jigs, integrate IMUs, GNSS, star trackers, and other sensors, and develop automated tests using Python, MATLAB, and C++. Expect close collaboration with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers in a fast-paced lab

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or similar lab-based engineering work.
• Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers.
• Experience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar protocols.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using lab tools and structured debugging methods.
• Strong hands-on engineering mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance.
• Integrate and test sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers.
• Develop and debug sensor communication over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software, sensors, actuators, and flight-like interfaces.
• Use platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar embedded systems for prototyping and test automation.
• Design simple fixtures, mounts, and test equipment using 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods.
• Write scripts and test tools in Python, MATLAB, and C++.
• Work with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues and validate hardware performance.

Skills

Hardware testing

Sensor integration

Embedded systems

Lab debugging

Robotics / aerospace

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Eng / EE / Robotics

Tools

Raspberry Pi

Arduino

Pixhawk

SPI/I2C/UART/CAN

Python

MATLAB

C++

Job description

Xona Space Systems is seeking a hands-on GNC Hardware Test Engineer to build, integrate, and validate sensor and test hardware for spacecraft GNC systems. The role blends lab work with rapid prototyping across sensors, embedded hardware, and test software.

You will create test jigs, integrate IMUs, GNSS, star trackers, and other sensors, and develop automated tests using Python, MATLAB, and C++. Expect close collaboration with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers in a fast-paced lab