RF Test Engineer

RF Test EngineerXona 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 building the next generation of satellite navigation - a high-performance, resilient alternative to GPS powered by a commercial constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. We are on a mission to unlock a new era of autonomy, advanced mobility, and infrastructure resilience by delivering precise, secure, and robust positioning services to the world.We're not here to incrementally improve GNSS. We're here to redefine it from the ground up.We're looking for a highly motivated and hands-on RF Test Engineer to join our growing team and take ownership of testing the RF systems that power our next generation service. In this role, you'll be instrumental in designing and executing test campaigns for everything from our mission-critical payload to the RF subsystems that tie together the satellite bus. This is an in-person role that demands technical depth, creativity, and a strong desire to build and break hardware in service of a mission.If you thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment, enjoy getting your hands on flight hardware, and take pride in designing test setups that are both clever and rock solid, we'd love to meet you.What You'll Do:Design, implement, and execute test plans for a wide range of RF systems, including payload transmit/receive chains, telemetry/command links, GNSS receivers, and interconnects across the satellite busBuild and maintain RF test setups using VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, and custom fixturesDevelop automated test scripts and data capture tools to accelerate and standardize test workflowsPerform detailed analysis of RF test data to validate system performance and characterize marginsTroubleshoot RF anomalies at the board, subsystem, and system levelSupport environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF test instrumentation and monitoringWork closely with subsystem teams to ensure test coverage aligns with mission requirementsContribute to the definition of test requirements and verification matrices across the full satellite development lifecycleYou Might Be a Fit If:You take pride in building reliable, high-quality test systems and seeing them used to validate flight hardwareYou enjoy hands-on work in the lab and are comfortable working directly with complex RF systemsYou approach testing as an opportunity to learn, improve, and de-risk — not just verifyYou're confident interpreting unexpected results and methodically tracking down root causesYou're proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently to push tests forwardYou thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve and your contributions directly impact mission successYou get a thrill out of isolating a weird RF issue down to a connector, solder joint, or firmware settingYou like working on cross-functional teams where your input shapes hardware, software, and system decisionsHands-on, solutions-first mindset — you're comfortable debugging at the system level.Ability to move fast, make decisions, and pivot when needed without getting stuck.Great communicator who can break down complex ideas for teammates and stakeholders.Passion for building real-world systems that go beyond theory.Requirements:B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field3+ years of hands-on experience in RF testing, preferably in aerospace, defense, or telecommunicationsDeep familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzers, VNAs, signal generators, etc.)Strong foundation in RF fundamentals, including link budgets, S-parameters, gain/loss calculations, and impedance matchingProficiency in scripting languages such as Python for test automation and data analysisComfort working in lab environments and around flight hardwareExcellent problem-solving skills and attention to detailStrong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplinesDesired Qualifications:Experience testing RF systems in space environments (TVAC, EMI/EMC, vibration, etc.)Familiarity with satellite communication protocols (e.g., CCSDS, DVB-S2, S-band, C-band, L-Band)Understanding of digital signal processing and RF impairmentsExperience with GNSS systems and signal acquisitionFamiliarity with configuration control and documentation practices in a hardware development environmentFor 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.