About the position
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 MAIT lead to be at the core of how we build and test spacecraft — not just in production, but in design, from day one. This person will drive manufacturability, integration, and test strategy for our satellite platform, ensuring that what we’re building can actually be built — efficiently, reliably, and at scale. This role will shape everything from assembly flow, floor layout, and tooling to test beds, process docs, and quality control. You’ll own end-to-end satellite integration and be the go-to for both flight and non-flight hardware builds. In the early stages, supply chain and vendor coordination will fall under you.
Responsibilities
- Lead design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) efforts across spacecraft systems from the earliest phases.
- Define and build out the satellite manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test infrastructure, including tools, fixtures, benches, and procedures.
- Own build processes for flight and non-flight hardware, including integration workflows, documentation, and checkouts.
- Set up and run test infrastructure: environmental test beds, vibration fixtures, thermal vacuum equipment, electrical test setups, etc.
- Create and maintain build documentation, from process docs to quality and traceability systems.
- Work closely with engineering teams to ensure that designs can be built efficiently and repeatedly with the tools and skills available.
- Interface with external vendors and internal supply chain to ensure parts and materials are delivered to spec and on time.
- Oversee initial supply chain and procurement until a dedicated team is stood up to own that function.
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)
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with spacecraft AIT, environmental testing, or satellite-level test campaigns
- Familiarity with cleanroom procedures, ESD-safe workflows, or quality assurance for aerospace
- You’ve built hardware that has flown
