Xona
navigational intelligence
GNCHardwareTestEngineer
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.
“GNC Hardware Test Engineer at Xona. Skills: GNC Hardware Test, Sensor Integration, Embedded Systems, Test Automation, Hardware-in-the-loop testing. Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance.. Integrate and test sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers.”
What You'll Achieve.
evaluate GNC sensor performance; validate hardware performance
Industry & Context.
Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using lab tools and structured debugging methods.
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)., Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)., 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.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
Hands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or similar lab-based engineering work., Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers., Experience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar protocols., Experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development., Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software interface issues using lab tools and structured debugging methods., hands-on engineering mindset and willingness to learn in a fast-paced lab environment.
Nice to Have
BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field., Internship, academic, research, or professional experience with spacecraft, UAVs, robotics, avionics, or embedded systems., Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop testing, real-time simulation, or automated test systems., Experience using Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar platforms., Experience with 3D printing, CAD, and rapid fixture design., Familiarity with Linux, Git, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and general lab equipment.
What You'll Do.
Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance.
Integrate and test sensors such as IMUs
Earth horizon sensors
Develop and debug sensor communication over interfaces such as SPI
Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software
and flight-like interfaces.
Use platforms such as Raspberry Pi
or similar embedded systems for prototyping and test automation.
Design simple fixtures
and test equipment using 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods.
Write scripts and test tools in Python
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
Work with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues and validate hardware performance.
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 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. What You’ll Do - Build and maintain test jigs to evaluate GNC sensor performance. - Integrate and test sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, and star trackers. - Develop and debug sensor communication over interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN. - Support hardware-in-the-loop test setups for GNC software, sensors, actuators, and flight-like interfaces. - Use platforms such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pixhawk, or similar embedded systems for prototyping and test automation. - Design simple fixtures, mounts, and test equipment using 3D printing and rapid prototyping methods. - Write scripts and test tools in Python, MATLAB, and C++. - Work with GNC, avionics, software, and systems engineers to troubleshoot issues and validate hardware performance. Required Qualifications - Hands-on experience with hardware testing, sensor integration, embedded systems, robotics, aerospace projects, or similar lab-based engineering work. - Familiarity with navigation or attitude sensors such as IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS, sun sensors, Earth horizon sensors, or star trackers. - Experience with communication interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, or similar protocols. - Experience with Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ for test scripting, data analysis, or embedded development. - Ability to troubleshoot hardw
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