Senior Spacecraft Qualification 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.

We are seeking a Senior Spacecraft Qualification Engineer team focused on designing complex mechanical fixtures and GSE, building out test infrastructure, and planning and executing vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and development tests.

This is a senior, hands-on role within the Mechanical Engineering department. You will own fixture design end-to-end concept, CAD, analysis, build, checkout and collaborate across mechanical, thermal, electrical, and software teams to ensure our spacecraft and subsystems are thoroughly and efficiently qualified for launch. In addition to test infrastructure, you will also have opportunities to design spacecraft flight hardware. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on both precision mechanical design and high-stakes test execution.

• Fixture & Test Infrastructure Design

  • Design, analyze, prototype, and iterate mechanical fixtures and GSE for environmental tests (vibration, TVAC), solar array deployment/alignment, allowable testing, and spacecraft handling.

  • Develop mass simulators, shipping/transport containers, lifting hardware, deployment jigs, and other custom mechanical tooling.

  • Build out test facility infrastructure: lab spaces, R&D shop equipment, torque/load test setups, structured DAQ systems, and supporting processes.

• Environmental Test Engineering & Execution

  • Own development of spacecraft-level and subsystem-level environmental test plans and procedures.

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute vibration, TVAC, and functional development tests with internal teams and external vendors.

  • Lead anomaly response and root-cause analyses during testing, including fixture/hardware debugging.

• Instrumentation & Data Acquisition

  • Specify, procure, and integrate sensors (accelerometers, load cells, thermocouples, displacement sensors).

  • Implement DAQ systems to deliver clean, reliable, and traceable test data.

  • Support data reduction and reporting to inform design closure and qualification.

• Launch Integration Support

  • Develop and maintain launch integration toolkits, procedures, and rehearsal plans.

  • Support spacecraft mechanical operations during launch site campaigns.

• Process Development & Documentation

  • Create and maintain test procedures, proof-test records, vibe/thermal reports, and configuration tracking.

  • Build repeatable processes for environmental test planning, readiness, execution, data review, and closeout to support Xona’s rapid development cadence.

• Required

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

  • 3+ years experience in spacecraft or aerospace mechanical design, test engineering, or environmental qualification.

  • Strong proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks or similar) for fixture/GSE design.

  • Demonstrated experience participating in or leading vibration and/or TVAC test campaigns.

  • Ability to coordinate across disciplines and vendors, with strong organizational and documentation skills.

  • Ability to work onsite with occasional travel to test vendors and launch sites.

• Preferred

  • Experience designing mechanical test infrastructure in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment (startup or skunkworks).

  • Familiarity with vibration control software, vibration table operation, test parameters and tolerances for sine and random vibration

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

  • Hands-on experience with instrumentation, DAQs, and test automation.

  • Experience with Python or MATLAB for data reduction, analysis, and reporting.

  • Prior launch site integration or mechanical ops experience (e.g., CCSFS, VAFB).

  • Working knowledge of spacecraft structures, mechanisms, and thermal hardware.

• Test infrastructure is robust, organized, and scalable for future spacecraft programs.

• Environmental test campaigns are executed efficiently, safely, and with clear documentation.

• Flight hardware meets qualification and launch requirements—with no surprises late in the cycle.

• Test data, reports, and processes are reliable, repeatable, and accelerate engineering decision-making.

• Build and own the environmental test capability for a rapidly growing space startup.

• Shape how Xona designs, tests, and qualifies spacecraft.

• Work as a core contributor on a multidisciplinary team developing next-generation satellite technology.

• Have direct impact on flight hardware and launch readiness.

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.