Spacecraft Test Engineer

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.

Xona Space Systems is building the next generation of high-performance PNT satellites to enable secure, resilient, and precise location services. As we scale our hardware programs, we are seeking a Spacecraft Integration and Test Engineer to support spacecraft environmental qualification campaigns, as well as vehicle build and bring-up.

What You'll Do

This is a hands-on test role supporting first-article spacecraft builds and environmental testing. You will also execute thermal cycling (TC), 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute Thermal Cycling, TVAC, vibration, and functional tests at unit, subsystem, and spacecraft levels

• Lead or assist anomaly response, debugging, 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 installations, 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

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Test Engineering, or a related field

• Experience with hardware testing (lab, environmental, aerospace, or similar)

• Experience with hardware integration for spacecraft, vehicles, or similar complex systems

• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation skills

• Must be a U.S. Person (export control requirement)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with thermal chambers, TVAC, or vibration testing

• Familiarity with environmental test standards (GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, ECSS)

• Experience working with DAQs, sensors, instrumentation, and control systems

• Experience with scripting or programming for test automation or hardware control (Python, Node-RED, LabVIEW, PyVISA, SCPI, etc.)

• Experience with data reduction, analysis, and reporting (Python/MATLAB)

• Prior spacecraft, aerospace, or other high-reliability hardware test experience

• Experience supporting first-article builds, integration, or I&T activities

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.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.