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Xona Space Systems is building Pulsar, a next-generation satellite-based positioning and navigation system in low Earth orbit designed to deliver centimeter-level accuracy globally. The Manufacturing team is responsible for assembly, integration, and test of flight hardware for satellite subsystems.
As Senior Manufacturing Engineer for PCBA Validation & Test, you will own the production and process validation testing (PVT) strategy for incoming printed circuit board assemblies. This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you define inspection and test protocols, drive them into digital work instructions, and ensure quality closure with contract manufacturers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define and own PVT strategy covering receiving inspection, ICT/flying probe, X-ray, conformal coating inspection, and functional/environmental screening
- Translate schematics, assembly drawings, and IPC-A-610/J-STD-001 standards into inspection and test procedures embedded in digital work instructions
- Specify, build, and qualify test fixtures, bed-of-nails stations, and instrumentation (power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, data acquisition systems)
- Own nonconformance management including containment, root cause analysis (8D/5-Why/Fishbone), and MRB disposition
- Conduct PCB contract manufacturer audits and drive supplier corrective action workflows to closure
- Build measurement and test confidence through gage validation and Gage R&R studies
- Analyze yield, defect, and escape trends to drive supplier and internal process improvements
- Partner with electrical design and systems engineering to feed manufacturing data back into design for manufacturability
- Mentor engineers and technicians as the team and factory scale
Required qualifications: B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent); 7+ years in PCBA/electronics manufacturing or test engineering; direct experience standing up or owning PVT for electronic assemblies; working knowledge of IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001; hands-on experience with ICT, flying probe, and functional test methods; ability to read schematics, assembly prints, and BOMs; experience with nonconformance management and root cause analysis.
Preferred: aerospace/space/defense manufacturing experience (IPC Class 3, J-STD-001 Space Addendum); PCB contract manufacturer audit experience; MES/ERP systems experience; Python or similar programming for test automation; experience scaling validation from NPI through production rate.
U.S. citizenship or equivalent status required per space technology export regulations.
