Feeny
Xona Space Systems

Sr. RF Engineer at Xona Space Systems (Burlingame, CA)

Xona Space Systems· Burlingame, CA· $170k–$200k·

Role details

Salary
$170k–$200k
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full-Time
Level
Senior
Equity
Yes
Work auth
Required
Skills
Electromagnetic principlesPCBA schematics interpretationPCB ECADAltiumRF test equipmentMultimetersOscilloscopesSignal generatorsSpectrum analyzersAntenna designAntenna testingRF amplifier tuning
Benefits

Equity

Summary

Design, implement, test, and optimize RF systems for next-generation GNSS satellites and ground monitoring systems. The role involves PCB design, antenna testing, and simulation to ensure high-accuracy PNT services while complying with government export regulations.

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.

As an Sr. RF Engineer at Xona, you'll be designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing RF systems to enable our next-generation GNSS system. From spacecraft payload electronics to ground monitoring systems, your work will ensure the end-to-end RF broadcast system delivers Xona’s high-accuracy and high-precision PNT service.

Required Qualifications

  • Understanding of electromagnetic principles behind radio frequency communications.
  • Ability to interpret PCBA schematics and layout drawings. Familiarity with PCB ECAD tools such as Altium.
  • Hands-on experience using electrical/RF test equipment, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Knowledge of typical performance metrics for RF communications systems.
  • Hands-on experience/coursework with antenna design and/or testing. Familiarity with 3D EM simulations tools such as Ansys HFSS.
  • RF amplifier and circuits tuning
  • RF Design experience in L-Band, S-Band and C Band
  • Familiarity with RF circuit simulation tools, such as Keysight ADS or AWR Microwave Office.
  • Hands-on experience with RF test set-ups and calibrations.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret RF test data, and assess performance vs. design requirements.
  • Willing and able to travel to support off-site testing events as needed.
  • Self-starter attitude and proactive in seeing projects from design through implementation.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, cross-team collaborative environment.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to achieve project goals.
  • 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).

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3 - 5 years of RF engineering experience
  • Experience with space RF electronics, with an understanding of phenomena such as multipaction.
  • Knowledge/experience with GNSS systems.
  • Proven RF PCB and/or antenna designs from past work.
  • Implementation of passive or active RF sub-systems whether on the bench or on PCBs.

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.

Why work at Xona Space Systems

  • 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.

Application questions