{"id":662725,"url":"https://alion.io/job/xonaspace-gnc-hardware-test-engineer","title":"GNC Hardware Test Engineer","company":{"id":685097,"name":"Xona Space Systems","domain":"xonaspace.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/xonaspace","size_band":null,"is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":88,"open_postings":14,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.286,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":84,"computed_at":"2026-11-01T06:10:25Z"}},"role":"Hardware","role_family":"Hardware","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Burlingame, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":130000,"max":150000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":150000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":false},{"name":"Git","optional":false},{"name":"Linux","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-05-18T22:19:08Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-05-18","last_verified_at":"2026-11-02T03:35:25Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":167,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":167},"description":"Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.\nWith 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.\nWe’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.\nWhat You’ll Do\nBuild and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance.\n\nIntegrate and test sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers.\n\nDevelop and debug sensor communication over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN.\n\nSupport hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software, sensors, actuators, and flight-like interfaces.\n\nUse platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar embedded systems for prototyping and test automation.\n\nDesign simple fixtures, mounts, and test equipment using 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods.\n\nWrite scripts and test tools in Python, MATLAB, and C++.\n\nWork with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues and validate hardware performance.\n\nRequired Qualifications\nHands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or similar lab-based engineering work.\n\nFamiliarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers.\n\nExperience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar protocols.\n\nExperience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development.\n\nAbility to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using lab tools and structured debugging methods.\n\nStrong hands-on engineering mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced lab environment.\n\nDesired Qualifications\nBS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.\n\nInternship, academic, research, or professional experience with spacecraft, UAVs, robotics, avionics, or embedded systems.\n\nExposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, or automated test systems.\n\nExperience using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar platforms.\n\nExperience with 3D printing, CAD, and rapid fixture design.\n\nFamiliarity with Linux, Git, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general lab equipment.\n\nFor 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).\nFor 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).\nFor 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.\nWe celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 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