RF Test Engineer Verified today
About Xona
Xona is building Pulsar, the world's most advanced positioning and navigation technology (PNT) satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit. We deliver centimeter-level precision positioning as a future-proof, backwards-compatible alternative to GPS.
The Role
You'll own RF testing for our next-generation satellite navigation service. You'll design and execute test campaigns for mission-critical payload, RF subsystems, telemetry/command links, and GNSS receivers. This is hands-on work with flight hardware in the lab, demanding technical depth and a drive to build and validate systems that matter.
What You'll Do
- Design, implement, and execute test plans for RF systems including payload transmit/receive chains, telemetry/command links, GNSS receivers, and satellite bus interconnects
- Build and maintain RF test setups using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and custom fixtures
- Develop automated test scripts and data capture tools to accelerate and standardize test workflows
- Perform detailed analysis of RF test data to validate system performance and characterize margins
- Troubleshoot RF anomalies at board, subsystem, and system level
- Support environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF instrumentation and monitoring
- Work closely with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage aligns with mission requirements
- Contribute to test requirements definition and verification matrices across the satellite development lifecycle
What You Bring
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 3+ years hands-on RF testing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or telecommunications
- Deep familiarity with RF test equipment: spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, power meters
- Strong RF fundamentals: link budgets, S-parameters, gain/loss calculations, impedance matching
- Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for test automation and data analysis
- Comfort working in lab environments around flight hardware
- Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail
- Strong communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills
Desired Experience
- RF systems testing in space environments (TVAC, EMI/EMC, vibration)
- Satellite communication protocols (CCSDS, DVB-S2, S-band, C-band, L-Band)
- Digital signal processing and RF impairments
- GNSS systems and signal acquisition
- Configuration control and documentation in hardware development
Eligibility
This is a U.S. role. You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations.
Location
Burlingame, California. This is an in-person role.