Xona Space Systems, Inc
Staff Flight Software Engineer
Xona Space Systems, Inc, Burlingame, California, United States, 94012
Xona is redefining satellite navigation with a resilient, high-performance alternative to GPS. Powered by a commercial constellation of LEO satellites, we deliver precise, secure, and robust positioning services that enable autonomy, advanced mobility, and infrastructure resilience. We don't settle for incremental gains-we're building the next generation of GNSS from the ground up.
What You'll Do
Design Contribution : Serve as a primary contributor to the flight software design, working to shape system interfaces and component interactions. Develop & Integrate : Implement embedded flight software modules in C++ on RTOS or space-grade frameworks; carry features from concept through flight-ready validation. System Validation : Plan and execute comprehensive hardware/software integration tests, including fault-injection scenarios and performance benchmarking. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner with hardware engineering, GNC, and operations to define interfaces, manage fault conditions, and implement mitigation workflows. CCSDS TT&C Integration : Develop and validate CCSDS-compliant Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) subsystems-implement frame assembly/disassembly, packetization, CRC/error-control coding, and end-to-end link workflows. Optimization & Reliability : Profile and tune software for CPU, memory, and I/O efficiency; contribute to FDIR logic and scheduler enhancements to maximize on-orbit reliability. Mentorship & Best Practices : Coach mid-level engineers through design reviews and code walks; promote coding standards, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines. Documentation & Tooling : Produce clear technical artifacts - ICDs, test plans, runbooks - and help build digital tools for telemetry analysis and on-orbit diagnostics. You'll Be a Great Fit If You...
Are passionate about writing clean, maintainable embedded code and enjoy collaborating on low-level hardware/software integration. Thrive in influencing technical outcomes through expertise and teamwork, without direct managerial authority. Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a methodical debugging approach, and strong analytical skills in real-time systems. Take pride in elevating team practices and sharing knowledge to drive continuous improvement. Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a methodical debugging approach, and strong analytical skills in real-time systems. Take pride in elevating team practices and sharing knowledge to drive continuous improvement. Requirements
Experience: 8+ years developing C/C++ embedded software on RTOS or space-grade frameworks (cFS, F', TASTE, etc.). Integration & Testing: Proven track record executing full-system hardware/software validation and fault-injection test campaigns. Protocols & Interfaces: Deep expertise with RS-422/485, Ethernet, I2C, or similar communication buses in embedded environments. Real-Time Systems: Solid understanding of real-time scheduling, FDIR principles, and performance profiling under resource constraints. Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills for cross-team collaboration and technical documentation. CCSDS Expertise: Hands-on experience implementing CCSDS Telemetry (TM) and Telecommand (TC) packet standards, including header/payload formats, Virtual Channel multiplexing, and CRC/error-control procedures. 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). Desired Qualifications
Hands-on experience with on-orbit operations, telemetry analysis, or spacecraft HIL testbeds. Background in aerospace or other safety-critical industries. Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Salary Description
Range for base salary: $190,000 - $230,000
What You'll Do
Design Contribution : Serve as a primary contributor to the flight software design, working to shape system interfaces and component interactions. Develop & Integrate : Implement embedded flight software modules in C++ on RTOS or space-grade frameworks; carry features from concept through flight-ready validation. System Validation : Plan and execute comprehensive hardware/software integration tests, including fault-injection scenarios and performance benchmarking. Cross-Functional Collaboration : Partner with hardware engineering, GNC, and operations to define interfaces, manage fault conditions, and implement mitigation workflows. CCSDS TT&C Integration : Develop and validate CCSDS-compliant Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TT&C) subsystems-implement frame assembly/disassembly, packetization, CRC/error-control coding, and end-to-end link workflows. Optimization & Reliability : Profile and tune software for CPU, memory, and I/O efficiency; contribute to FDIR logic and scheduler enhancements to maximize on-orbit reliability. Mentorship & Best Practices : Coach mid-level engineers through design reviews and code walks; promote coding standards, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines. Documentation & Tooling : Produce clear technical artifacts - ICDs, test plans, runbooks - and help build digital tools for telemetry analysis and on-orbit diagnostics. You'll Be a Great Fit If You...
Are passionate about writing clean, maintainable embedded code and enjoy collaborating on low-level hardware/software integration. Thrive in influencing technical outcomes through expertise and teamwork, without direct managerial authority. Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a methodical debugging approach, and strong analytical skills in real-time systems. Take pride in elevating team practices and sharing knowledge to drive continuous improvement. Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, a methodical debugging approach, and strong analytical skills in real-time systems. Take pride in elevating team practices and sharing knowledge to drive continuous improvement. Requirements
Experience: 8+ years developing C/C++ embedded software on RTOS or space-grade frameworks (cFS, F', TASTE, etc.). Integration & Testing: Proven track record executing full-system hardware/software validation and fault-injection test campaigns. Protocols & Interfaces: Deep expertise with RS-422/485, Ethernet, I2C, or similar communication buses in embedded environments. Real-Time Systems: Solid understanding of real-time scheduling, FDIR principles, and performance profiling under resource constraints. Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills for cross-team collaboration and technical documentation. CCSDS Expertise: Hands-on experience implementing CCSDS Telemetry (TM) and Telecommand (TC) packet standards, including header/payload formats, Virtual Channel multiplexing, and CRC/error-control procedures. 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). Desired Qualifications
Hands-on experience with on-orbit operations, telemetry analysis, or spacecraft HIL testbeds. Background in aerospace or other safety-critical industries. Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Salary Description
Range for base salary: $190,000 - $230,000