GNC Hardware Test Engineer

About the role

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.

We’re looking for a GNC Hardware Test Engineer to help build, integrate, and validate sensor and test hardware for spacecraft GNC systems. This is a hands-on lab role ideal for someone who enjoys working across sensors, embedded hardware, test software, and rapid prototyping.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Required 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.

Desired Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Internship, academic, research, or professional experience with spacecraft, UAVs, robotics, avionics, or embedded systems.
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, or automated test systems.
• Experience using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar platforms.
• Experience with 3D printing, CAD, and rapid fixture design.
• Familiarity with Linux, Git, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general lab equipment.

Additional information

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.