Test Infrastructure/Integration Engineer

Xona; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona is seeking a Test Infrastructure / Integration Engineer to own the Flatsat test systems ensuring software is flight-ready. You will validate commanding, telemetry, and CONOPS end-to-end before releases reach orbit, collaborating with TT&C, FSW, and GNC teams.

You will automate test execution, expand HIL/SIL capabilities, and document infrastructure so development teams can integrate with ease. Strong scripting and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience controlling satellites or similar vehicles.
• Experience building or operating Flatsat, HIL, or SIL test environments.
• Strong TT&C and communications knowledge, incl. ground station coordination.
• Scripting in Python or Bash.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to give concise progress updates.
• Strong documentation with test procedures and infrastructure guides.

Responsibilities

• Own, build, and expand the test infrastructure for Flatsat systems.
• Validate end-to-end commanding, telemetry, and CONOPS on Flatsat across subsystems.
• Define procedures and pass/fail criteria for validating new software/firmware releases.
• Automate test execution and infrastructure.
• Partner with FSW and GNC teams to grow HIL and SIL capabilities.
• Document the test infrastructure and processes for easy integration.
• Report test status, findings, and release readiness clearly to engineering and operations stakeholders.

Skills

Satellites control

Flatsat / HIL / SIL

TT&C & communications

Python / Bash scripting

Documentation

Stakeholder communication

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

CCSDS protocols

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

We are seeking a Test Infrastructure / Integration Engineer to own the Flatsat test systems that prove our satellite software is ready to fly. Sitting on the Mission Operations team, you will validate commanding, telemetry, and CONOPS end to end before every release reaches orbit. You will work across TT&C, flight software (FSW), and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), turning manual test processes into automated, repeatable infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Own, build, and expand the test infrastructure for our Flatsat systems.
• Validate end-to-end commanding, telemetry, and CONOPS on the Flatsat across all subsystems, including TT&C, FSW, and GNC.
• Define strict procedures and pass/fail criteria for validating new software and firmware releases.
• Automate test execution and infrastructure, reducing manual steps release over release.
• Partner with the FSW and GNC teams to grow hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) capabilities.
• Document the test infrastructure and processes so every development team can integrate with them easily.
• Report test status, findings, and release readiness clearly to engineering and operations stakeholders.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Hands-on, on-console experience directly controlling satellites, aircraft, drones, or other machinery.
• Experience building or operating Flatsat, HIL, or SIL test environments.
• Strong understanding of TT&C and communications systems, including working with ground station providers.
• Scripting experience in Python, Bash, or similar languages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to give concise progress updates.
• Strong documentation skills, including detailed test procedures and infrastructure guides other teams can follow

Preferred Skills

• Experience testing or releasing flight software or firmware for spacecraft.
• Familiarity with CCSDS protocols and satellite command and telemetry systems.

Experience building automated test frameworks and running them through CI/CD pipelines.

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.