Spacecraft Test Engineer

Overview

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, and senior engineers can take ownership of campaigns, vendors, and processes.

• 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

• 3+ years of experience required
• 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

• 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.

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.