Sr. GNC Simulation and Algorithms Engineer

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 seeking a Senior GNC Mechatronics Engineer to lead sensor integration, testing, and hardware-in-the-loop validation for aerospace platforms. This hands-on role is ideal for someone who thrives at the hardware-software interface and enjoys building reliable, flight-critical systems from the ground up. 

What You’ll Do 

• Design and build custom test stands and fixtures to evaluate and validate sensor performance in lab and field environments 
• Integrate and characterize navigation and attitude sensors including IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers 
• Develop and debug sensor communication using protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN 
• Build hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation setups for system-level testing of GNC algorithms 
• Rapidly prototype and iterate using 3D printing and CAD tools 
• Interface and test sensors on embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or Pixhawk 
• Analyze test data and sensor performance using Python, MATLAB, and C++ 
• Collaborate with GNC and software engineers to integrate and validate sensor subsystems 

You Might Be a Fit If 

• You have a strong foundation in mechatronics, aerospace systems, or embedded hardware integration 
• You’ve built test setups that use real sensors in the loop 
• You’re comfortable working with and debugging communication protocols like SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN 
• You’re fluent in Python, MATLAB, and C++ for scripting, data analysis, and real-time software 
• You use 3D printing and CAD tools as part of your prototyping toolkit 
• You enjoy working at the hardware/software boundary and thrive in fast-paced, multidisciplinary teams 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechatronics, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or  related field 
• Experience in GNC system development, sensor integration, or mechatronic prototyping 
• Hands-on experience with building sensor test infrastructure and performing sensor performance evaluations 
• 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).