---
title: 'Communications / DSP Engineer at Xona Space Systems'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/communications-dsp-engineer-xona-space-systems-burlingame-yzksr177w0ws'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-04'
---

# Communications / DSP Engineer at Xona Space Systems

- **Company:** Xona Space Systems
- **Location:** Burlingame, CA
- **Compensation:** $160k–$210k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-04-14
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-04
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xona-space/400c9fa0-ed63-4f60-9c60-94728677dbaf/application

**Skills:** Digital Communications, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Satellite Systems, Synchronization, Ranging, Spread-spectrum algorithm design, FPGA-based signal processing, Bit-true/fixed-point modeling, Python, C/C++, System Modeling, GEO satellite backhaul, Inter-satellite cross-link (ISL), GNSS navigation, Spread-spectrum systems, Measurement integrity, Lab bring-up, Test automation, HIL/OTA testing, ARM-based MPSoC

> The Communications / DSP Engineer leads end-to-end signal-chain system engineering for GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-links. Responsibilities include algorithm development, high-fidelity simulation, FPGA architecture definition, and vendor IP management to ensure seamless integration and compliance.

## 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.

Own end-to-end signal-chain system engineering for GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-links. This includes algorithm development, simulation, measurement engineering, and driving the architectural transition into FPGA-ready solutions. You will serve as the technical lead for third-party vendor IPs, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with Xona requirements.

What You'll Do:

- Algorithm & Hardware Evolution: Develop acquisition, tracking, data decoding, and measurement algorithms; collaborate across the team to drive the architectural transition from mathematical models to fixed-point, optimized FPGA designs and verifications.
- High-Fidelity Simulation: Build Python/C++ simulations and analyze performance under low-SNR, high dynamics, interference, and multipath.
- Integrated Architecture: Define HW/SW partitioning and system interfaces; optimize for FPGA resource utilization and timing constraints while ensuring requirements traceability.
- Measurement Product Definition: Specify measurement products (code phase, carrier, Doppler, C/N₀, PRs, DRs) and validate with Navigation team.
- Vendor & Lifecycle Management: Lead vendor SOWs, acceptance tests, integration, and compliance reviews. Document system architecture, simulations, trade studies, and verification results.

Required Qualifications:

- MS or PhD in EE, CE, or related field; 7+ years’ experience in digital communications, DSP, or satellite systems.
- Strong mastery of synchronization, ranging, and spread-spectrum algorithm design.
- Hands-on experience with FPGA-based signal processing and bit-true/fixed-point modeling.
- Proficiency in Python, C/C++ for system modeling.
- Prior experience in vendor technical leadership and cross-functional system integration.

Preferred Qualifications:

- GEO satellite backhaul or inter-satellite cross-link (ISL) experience.
- Familiarity with GNSS navigation and spread-spectrum systems
- Knowledge of measurement integrity; experience with lab bring-up, test automation, and HIL/OTA testing.
- Experience in ARM-based MPSoC systems (Cortex-A/R), with experience developing Embedded Linux (PetaLinux/Yocto) and device drivers specifically for Zynq UltraScale+ environments.

Key Competencies:

- Systems thinking with requirements and verification rigor.
- Technical leadership across internal teams and external vendors.
- Clear technical communication and documentation.
- Pragmatic, verification-driven approach for flight-ready solutions.

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.

## About Xona Space Systems

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Xona Space Systems is building Pulsar, a high-integrity positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) constellation in Low Earth Orbit that delivers authenticated, centimeter-accurate services as a resilient alternative to GPS.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C – $170M raised ~April 2026)
- **Headquarters**: Burlingame, California, USA (also offices in Montreal, Canada and London, England)
- **Founded**: 2019
- **Founders**: Brian Manning (CEO), Tyler Reid (CTO), Adrien Perkins (VP of Engineering)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Aerospace / Satellite Navigation, Defense & Critical Infrastructure, Autonomous Systems
- **Target customers**: B2B / B2G – enterprise, government, defense, autonomous robotics, construction, industrial IoT, and any application requiring resilient PNT
- **Mission**: “Unlock the potential of tomorrow’s technologies by providing the most robust and accurate navigation and timing services on Earth.”

## Products & Services
- **Pulsar Constellation**: A network of 258 small, software-defined satellites in LEO broadcasting secured, authenticated PNT signals. Offers native user accuracy at centimeter level and is designed to upgrade existing GPS devices via a software update.
- **Pulsar‑Verified Receivers & Simulators**: Certified hardware and test platforms for integrators. Includes reference designs and simulation tools.
- **Time Authentication Service**: A cryptographic layer that validates the origin and integrity of timing signals, providing resilience against spoofing and jamming.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (conflicting reports may exist; no official figure available)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding $327.53M (CB Insights); latest Series C closed ~April 2026 (amount $170M)
- **Notable Investors / Partners**: Not publicly disclosed (funding specifics unknown). Key partners include Murata (MOU for LEO navigation in industrial applications), the Government of Canada (R&D collaboration to strengthen timing resilience), and the National Research Council of Canada.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Successfully launched Pulsar‑0, the first commercially funded navigation satellite, now in orbit for one year (June 2026).
  - 11+ patents filed (encrypted navigation signals, wireless locating, etc.).
  - Active hiring in Burlingame, Montreal, and London; 828 employees on LinkedIn as of mid‑2026.
  - Collaboration with ISED, NRC, and DRDC to broadcast Canada’s official time signal (UTC(NRC)) from space.

## Competitive Advantages
- **First‑mover with a privately funded navigation satellite** – Pulsar‑0 set a precedent for commercial LEO PNT.
- **Authenticated signals** – Cryptographic security native to the signal provides spoofing/jamming resistance unmatched by traditional GPS.
- **Software‑defined satellites** – Rapid constellation scaling and in‑orbit updates at a fraction of legacy system cost.
- **Multi‑national timing broadcast** – Ability to carry multiple official time standards (US, UK, Canada) on a shared infrastructure, creating sovereign resilience for allies.

## Strategic Focus
- **Constellation deployment** – Scale from prototype (Pulsar‑0) to a full production fleet of 258 satellites.
- **Ecosystem enablement** – Grow partner network of receiver makers, chipset vendors, and integrators (e.g., Murata, government bodies).
- **Geographic expansion** – Establish a strong presence in Canada (Montreal) and the UK (London) while deepening relationships with allied governments.
- **Defense & critical infrastructure** – Pursue contracts that require autonomous, tamper‑proof PNT for military, aviation, and grid timing.

## Why Work Here
- **Impact** – Work on “a generational technology at startup speed”; decisions are pushed to the people closest to the work. Culture of ownership and rapid iteration.
- **Compensation** – Competitive salary, equity (ownership culture), 401(k) / Roth 401(k).
- **Benefits** – 95% of healthcare premiums covered for US employees (50% for dependents); HSA/FSA options; supportive parental leave (equitable); flexible time off.
- **Workplace** – Burlingame office with catered lunches twice a week, snacks, drinks, coffee. Roles also in Montreal and London (hybrid likely per location, but remote‑first not stated).
- **Culture** – Engineering‑driven, fast‑shipping, collaborative; team includes leaders from industry and academia.

## Sources
1. [xonaspace.com](https://www.xonaspace.com/)
2. [xonaspace.com/careers](https://www.xonaspace.com/careers)
3. [xonaspace.com/mission](https://www.xonaspace.com/mission)
4. [cbinsights.com](https://www.cbinsights.com/company/xonaspace)
5. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/xona-space-systems)

## Other roles at Xona Space Systems

- [Senior Cloud Architect – Platforms Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cloud-architect-platforms-engineering-xona-space-systems-burlingame-582tm3wbrgvm) — Burlingame, CA
- [Technical Recruiter](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-recruiter-xona-space-systems-montreal-gad04nx4ktzw) — Montréal, Canada
- [Senior Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-engineer-xona-space-systems-burlingame-9ev6s1stx287) — Burlingame, CA
- [Mechanical Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-xona-space-systems-burlingame-qxva2nk9gzgq) — Burlingame, CA
- [Supply Chain Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/supply-chain-manager-xona-space-systems-montreal-32kfvx011bew) — Montréal, Canada
- [UE Verification Specialist (Canada)](https://feeny.ai/job/ue-verification-specialist-canada-xona-space-systems-montreal-mretdw5r4fwm) — Montréal, Canada
- [Technical Program Manager, Satellite](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-satellite-xona-space-systems-burlingame-9cn9ds1q4gbv) — Burlingame, CA
- [Production Technician & Equipment Operator](https://feeny.ai/job/production-technician-equipment-operator-xona-space-systems-burlingame-4rjzb4svpptz) — Burlingame, CA
- [Sr. Software Engineer - Build & Release](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-software-engineer-build-release-xona-space-systems-burlingame-k6sjpw7g46s8) — Burlingame, CA
- [Production Line Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/production-line-lead-xona-space-systems-burlingame-11mcz2gv8ha1) — Burlingame, CA