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.

About the Role

We are looking for a Spacecraft Test Engineer to own mechanical and environmental testing across the spacecraft development lifecycle, from early R&D and design de-risking through first-article spacecraft qualification.

This role sits at the intersection of spacecraft design, mechanical engineering, materials, environmental testing, and systems engineering. You will develop and execute tests that identify failure modes early, establish engineering margins through physical data, and ultimately demonstrate that our spacecraft are ready for launch.

This role will also drive first-article spacecraft environmental testing, including vibration and thermal vacuum testing. You will lead these campaigns from test planning and fixture/instrumentation development through execution, data review, anomaly resolution, and final test reporting.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing a novel coupon test in the lab, working directly with a spacecraft on the integration floor, troubleshooting a test setup, and presenting test results across teams.

What You'll Do

Early-Stage R&D and Design De-Risking

Identify high-risk mechanical, structural, thermal, material, and process risks early in the spacecraft development cycle.

Design and execute coupon-, component-, and subassembly-level tests to characterize materials, interfaces, processes, and hardware before design freeze.

Develop test-derived allowables and engineering data for critical mechanical interfaces, including bonded joints, structural interfaces, and other spacecraft hardware.

Perform material and process characterization to validate assumptions before they become embedded in flight designs.

Develop rapid mechanical and thermal tests to investigate potential failure modes and inform design decisions.

Partner directly with mechanical, structures, thermal, payload, electrical, and systems engineers to translate test results into actionable design changes.

In-House Test Capability Development

Build and expand Xona's internal capabilities for advanced mechanical and materials testing.

Develop test methods for mechanical strength, tensile testing, optical properties testing, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), thermal characterization, and other specialized testing.

Design and build test fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems required to execute these tests.

Establish repeatable test methods, procedures, calibration practices, and internal engineering databases.

Use physical testing to validate and improve analytical and simulation models.

Identify opportunities to replace outsourced testing with faster, more responsive in-house capabilities.

First-Article Spacecraft Vibration Testing

Own the planning and execution of first-article spacecraft vibration testing, from test definition through final reporting.

Develop spacecraft vibration test plans and procedures in coordination with structures, systems, mechanical, electrical, and test teams.

Define test configurations, instrumentation, accelerometer placement, interface requirements, fixture requirements, and pre/post-test functional checks.

Design and/or oversee the design of spacecraft vibration fixtures and associated ground support equipment.

Coordinate with external vibration facilities and test operators to execute test campaigns safely and effectively.

Monitor test data in real time, identify anomalies, and make engineering decisions during test execution.

Perform pre- and post-test inspections, functional testing, and data analysis.

Lead investigation and root-cause analysis of test anomalies and drive corrective actions back into spacecraft design and manufacturing.