SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Xona Space Systems is building next-generation satellite navigation through a commercial constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offering a high-performance alternative to GPS with centimeter-level precision, superior power efficiency, and robust security.
As an RF Test Engineer, you will design, implement, and execute comprehensive test campaigns for RF systems powering Xona's satellite constellation. Your responsibilities include designing test plans for payload transmit/receive chains, telemetry/command links, GNSS receivers, and satellite bus interconnects. You'll build and maintain RF test setups using industry-standard equipment (VNAs, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters) and custom fixtures tailored to mission requirements.
Key responsibilities:
- Design and execute RF test plans across payload and subsystem levels
- Build and maintain RF test infrastructure and custom test fixtures
- Develop automated test scripts and data capture tools using Python for workflow standardization
- Analyze RF test data to validate system performance and characterize design margins
- Troubleshoot RF anomalies from board to system level
- Support environmental testing (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC) with RF instrumentation
- Collaborate with subsystem teams to ensure comprehensive test coverage
- Contribute to test requirements definition and verification matrices across the satellite development lifecycle
You bring 3+ years of hands-on RF testing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or telecommunications. You have deep familiarity with RF test equipment, strong RF fundamentals (link budgets, S-parameters, impedance matching), and proficiency in Python for test automation. You're comfortable working in lab environments with flight hardware, excel at problem-solving, and communicate complex technical concepts clearly across disciplines.
Desired experience includes RF testing in space environments (TVAC, EMI/EMC, vibration), satellite communication protocols (CCSDS, DVB-S2, S/C/L-band), digital signal processing, GNSS systems, and hardware development documentation practices.
This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced startup environment where you'll directly impact mission success. You'll work cross-functionally, debug complex RF issues, and take ownership of test systems that validate flight hardware.
