Spacecraft Test Engineer

Xona Space Systems•Burlingame, CA

About The Position

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. This is a hands-on test and integration role supporting first-article spacecraft builds and environmental testing. You will help plan and execute thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and functional tests, work closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers, and help drive spacecraft toward flight readiness. Ideal candidates are organized, responsible, and comfortable working directly with hardware. Strong mechanical design experience is not required; what matters most is operational mindset, attention to detail, and test execution ownership. We are open to multiple experience levels junior engineers will grow rapidly in test execution and spacecraft integration; senior engineers can take ownership of campaigns, vendors, and processes.

Requirements

BS or MS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Systems, Test, or relevant engineering field
Experience with hardware testing (lab, environmental, aerospace, or similar)
Interest in spacecraft integration, testing, and hands-on hardware
Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with TVAC or vibration testing
Experience with environmental test standards (GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, ECSS)
Familiarity with DAQs, sensors, test instrumentation, and control systems
Experience with scripting or programming for test automation, GUI panels, or hardware control (e.g., Python, Node-RED, LabVIEW, PyVISA, SCPI, or similar)
Experience with data reduction and reporting (Python/MATLAB)
Prior spacecraft, aerospace, or high-reliability hardware test experience
Experience supporting first-article builds, integration, or I&T

Responsibilities

Support development of test plans, procedures, and readiness reviews
Execute TVAC, vibe, and functional tests at both subsystem and spacecraft levels
Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to schedule and conduct test campaigns
Lead or assist anomaly response, debug, and corrective actions
Ensure test execution is safe, efficient, and well-documented
Support first spacecraft builds and mechanical/electrical integration activities
Assist with handling, functional checkouts, component installs, and test sequencing
Maintain configuration tracking for test articles, sensors, and harnesses
Contribute to spacecraft readiness for environmental qualification
Specify and set up sensors, DAQ equipment, and cabling
Collect, reduce, and analyze test data for design closure and reporting
Participate in test reports, anomaly documentation, and design reviews
Help develop fixtures, adaptors, harnesses, and test tooling
Support build-out of test processes, lab infrastructure, and procedures
Senior candidates may drive vendor selection, standards, and test methodologies
Takes responsibility for test execution, schedules, data, and configuration
Enjoys hands-on hardware work and multidisciplinary problem solving
Communicates clearly and proactively during fast-paced build/test cycles
Balances precision with execution speed and safety