Director of GNC

Description

Xona is building the next generation of satellite navigation — a high-performance, resilient alternative to GPS powered by a commercial constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. We are on a mission to unlock a new era of autonomy, advanced mobility, and infrastructure resilience by delivering precise, secure, and robust positioning services to the world. 

We’re not here to incrementally improve GNSS. We’re here to redefine it from the ground up. 

We’re looking for a Director of GNC to lead the design, development, and integration of the guidance, navigation, and control system. You will own the full GNC architecture—including all ADCS components and propulsion—defining the build vs. buy strategy, selecting and managing vendors, and leading internal development and integration. You’ll work closely with the flight software, systems, mechanical, and operations teams to ensure performant and reliable spacecraft control for our LEO navigation constellation. You will also be responsible for building and growing a top-tier GNC engineering team. 

This is a highly technical and cross-functional leadership role with significant ownership and impact on the design of our satellite system. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Define the architecture, requirements, and performance metrics for the GNC system, including ADCS and propulsion. 
• Lead the build vs. buy strategy for all ADCS components, including sensors, actuators, and propulsion systems. 
• Evaluate, select, and manage vendors for bought components, ensuring compatibility and performance. 
• Drive internal development of GNC hardware and software, from prototyping to flight deployment. 
• Oversee integration of GNC and propulsion subsystems into the spacecraft platform. 
• Collaborate with the flight software team to define interfaces and implement control algorithms. 
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop testing, dynamics simulation, and system validation. 
• Support satellite-level testing and commissioning, including on-orbit tuning. 
• Build and lead the GNC engineering team, including hiring, mentorship, and technical direction. 

You Might be a Fit If 

• You’ve led the design and delivery of spacecraft GNC/ADCS—from early architecture through flight operations. 
• You’re comfortable working across hardware and software, and have hands-on experience with components like reaction wheels, star trackers, IMUs, and propulsion systems. 
• You think in terms of systems and enjoy solving cross-disciplinary engineering challenges. 
• You have strong instincts around build vs. buy decisions and know how to evaluate and manage vendors. 
• You communicate clearly, lead effectively, and thrive in fast-paced, high-ownership environments. 
• You’re excited about building and mentoring a technical team from the ground up. 

Requirements

• Full-time, onsite in Burlingame, California (this role is not remote or hybrid)
• 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) 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience with small satellite platforms or LEO constellations. 
• Familiarity with embedded flight software and avionics integration. 
• Prior experience building or managing a GNC team. 
• Knowledge of mission operations and autonomous spacecraft behavior.