Xona

navigational intelligence

GNCEngineer,AttitudeControlSystems

$170–200k Burlingame, California, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.

The Brief

“GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems at Xona. Skills: Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Attitude Control Systems (ACS), control theory, spacecraft dynamics, flight software, simulation and testing, Python, C++, MATLAB. design, simulate, implement, and test control algorithms. develop and maintain 6DOF attitude simulations for ACS design and verification”

What You'll Achieve.

real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth; future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection; precise spacecraft pointing, maneuvering, and momentum management

Industry & Context.

navigational intelligence
Problems you'll solve

rigorous test infrastructure; performance analysis across nominal and off-nominal cases; Monte Carlo analysis; robustness testing; fault-case validation

Eligibility Requirements

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. S. Roles), Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) (for U. K. Roles), obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR (for Canada Roles)

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Experience with 6DOF attitude dynamics simulations, Hands-on experience with PID, LQR, or optimal control design, Experience with actuator allocation, momentum management, or desaturation logic, Experience with model-based software development processes, Experience with SIL/HIL simulation and test environments, Experience developing unit or regression tests, programming skills in Python, C++, and MATLAB, Proficiency with Git and Linux environments

Nice to Have

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Applied Physics, or a related technical field, Experience developing ACS algorithms for spacecraft, satellites, UAVs, or autonomous systems, Familiarity with reaction wheels, magnetic torque rods, thrusters, star trackers, IMUs, magnetometers, or sun sensors, Experience with flight software integration, embedded deployment, or real-time systems, Experience with Monte Carlo analysis, robustness testing, or fault-case validation, Familiarity with autocoding workflows from MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools

What You'll Do.

and test control algorithms

develop and maintain 6DOF attitude simulations for ACS design and verification

and optimal control algorithms

develop actuator allocation logic for reaction wheels

implement momentum management and desaturation algorithms

support model-based development

run SIL/HIL test campaigns and analyze performance across nominal and off-nominal cases

and simulation-based tests

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Guidance, Navigation, and Control team

Full Job Description

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. We’re looking for a GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control team and help develop the attitude control systems that enable precise spacecraft pointing, maneuvering, and momentum management. In this role, you will design, simulate, implement, and test control algorithms that operate across real mission conditions, from high-fidelity simulation through software- and hardware-in-the-loop validation. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who enjoys working at the intersection of control theory, spacecraft dynamics, flight software, and rigorous test infrastructure. What You’ll Do - Develop and maintain 6DOF attitude simulations for ACS design and verification. - Design, tune, and validate PID, LQR, and optimal control algorithms. - Develop actuator allocation logic for reaction wheels, torque rods, thrusters, or other effectors. - Implement momentum management and desaturation algorithms. - Support model-based development, integration, and test workflows. - Run SIL/HIL test campaigns and analyze performance across nominal and off-nominal cases. - Develop unit, regression, and simulation-based tests. Required Qualifications - Experience with 6DOF attitude dynamics simulations. - Hands-on experience with PID, LQR, or optimal control design. - Experience with actuator allocation, momentum management, or desaturation logic. - Experience with model-based software development processes. - Experience with SIL/HIL simulation and test environments. - Experience developing unit or regression tests. - Strong programming skills in Python, C++, and MATLAB. - Proficie

Free ATS check

Applying for this GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems role?

Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.

How to Apply on Ashby

  • Ashby is a fast modern ATS — most applications take under 3 minutes.
  • The resume parser is strong; verify parsed experience dates and job titles.
  • Custom screening questions are often scored algorithmically — answer completely.
  • Location field affects geo-based screening; use your actual metro area.

ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED

What do employees actually say about Xona?

Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.

Read Company Rants →