---
title: 'GNSS Engineer at Xona Space Systems'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/gnss-engineer-xona-space-systems-burlingame-2mtfgynx4mnk'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# GNSS Engineer at Xona Space Systems

- **Company:** Xona Space Systems
- **Location:** Burlingame, CA
- **Compensation:** $130k–$180k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-06-08
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/xona-space/bf38f620-d27d-40ae-8002-189a501b62d8/application

**Skills:** Python, C, C++, MATLAB, GNSS systems engineering, Position engine development, GNSS test equipment, Lab-based signal validation, Linux-based systems, GNSS timing, UTC traceability, Precision GNSS corrections modeling, Hardware testing, Field testing, GNSS simulators

> Xona is seeking a GNSS Engineer to conduct deep-dive analyses on timing and positioning systems, design live-sky test campaigns, and support LEO-PNT research. The role involves hands-on application of GNSS technologies, technical documentation, and collaboration within a fast-paced production environment.

## 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.

Xona is seeking an analytical and self-driven GNSS engineer with a passion for solving technically complex problems in satellite navigation. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, research-heavy environments, and can confidently work independently and collaboratively to deliver mission-critical insights. As a member of the product team, the chosen candidate will be expected to conduct deep-dive analyses on cutting-edge timing and positioning systems, participating in live-sky demonstrations as well as analytical and theoretical studies involving topics related to LEO-PNT and its wide range of applications- from reliable timing for critical infrastructure to battery power optimization on IoT/handheld devices. If you're experienced in both the theory and hands-on application of GNSS technologies, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities Include:

- Designing and conducting live-sky test campaigns showcasing Pulsar capabilities to
- Assisting the execution of time-sensitive novel LEO PNT-related analyses to support ongoing and future company objectives.
- Preparing technical resources and materials related to PULSAR-based PNT.
- Contributing to white papers, internal reports, and technical documentation, leading detailed analysis on key GNSS research topics.

You Might be a Fit if:

- You have a strong background in GNSS systems engineering, in both measurement and position engine development.
- You are comfortable operating in a dynamic, research-driven environment with shifting technical priorities.
- You take initiative on complex technical problems and enjoy producing detailed, standalone research and analysis.
- You have hands-on experience working with GNSS test equipment and conducting lab-based signal validation.
- You can work effectively in a team environment, contributing to the development of state-of-the art solutions.
- You communicate effectively through written reports and verbal presentations.
- You are familiar with project management principles and can act as a contributor or collaborator without friction.

Requirements:

- Experience with theoretical analysis of GNSS performance in various environments using Python, C, C++, or MATLAB.
- Availability to support occasional rapid-turnaround technical assessments.

Desired Qualifications:

- Master’s Degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant field.
- 4+ years of experience working in GNSS.
- Experience with the practical use of Linux-based systems.
- Experience writing and presenting technical content to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Prior experience with GNSS timing and UTC traceability.
- Experience with precision GNSS corrections modeling and application.
- A demonstrated ability to work independently on targeted research projects.
- Strong project management skills and ability to collaborate.
- Experience with hardware testing, including field testing and GNSS simulators.

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

- [Technical Writer](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-writer-xona-space-systems-burlingame-f9aj5k2b8g88) — Burlingame, CA
- [Développeur(-euse) principal(e) de produits, Fullstack / Senior Product Developer](https://feeny.ai/job/developpeur-euse-principal-e-de-produits-fullstack-senior-product-developer-5ms7v4x25mjs) — Montréal, Canada
- [Software Development Engineer in Test](https://feeny.ai/job/software-development-engineer-in-test-xona-space-systems-burlingame-5s17a4hg3e6s) — Burlingame, CA
- [Director of Flight Software Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/director-of-flight-software-engineering-xona-space-systems-burlingame-8893v6jvsyb9) — Burlingame, CA
- [Cloud Security Specialist – Platforms Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/cloud-security-specialist-platforms-engineering-xona-space-systems-burlingame-2cw1wtrhjex7) — Burlingame, CA
- [Senior Cloud Architect – Platforms Engineering](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cloud-architect-platforms-engineering-xona-space-systems-burlingame-582tm3wbrgvm) — Burlingame, CA
- [Spécialiste GNSS / GNSS Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/specialiste-gnss-gnss-specialist-xona-space-systems-montreal-6shb1yzhx57k) — Montréal, Canada
- [Product Manager (Ecosystem) / Responsable de Produit (écosystème)](https://feeny.ai/job/product-manager-ecosystem-responsable-de-produit-ecosysteme-xona-space-systems-xa2agjby9kae) — Montréal, Canada
- [Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - PCBA Validation](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-manufacturing-engineer-pcba-validation-xona-space-systems-burlingame-6qxd9mezckkj) — Burlingame, CA
- [Quality Assurance Inspector](https://feeny.ai/job/quality-assurance-inspector-xona-space-systems-burlingame-haa1nr5wk5t1) — Burlingame, CA