Job Summary:
Xona is a navigational intelligence company focused on delivering centimeter-level accuracy for devices globally. They are seeking a Senior Navigation Engineer to lead initiatives within their Navigation Software team, driving the technical direction for core positioning and timing capabilities while mentoring junior engineers.
Responsibilities:
โข Design and optimize algorithms for centimeter-level accuracy in real-time and post-processed solutions.
โข Lead development of OD pipelines, including filter tuning, maneuver handling, and multi-GNSS fusion strategies.
โข Architect timing solutions that meet stringent stability requirements across the constellation.
โข Develop and validate ionospheric and tropospheric correction models, integrating external data sources as needed.
โข Define fault detection and exclusion frameworks to support safety-critical applications (aviation, maritime, autonomous systems).
โข Serve as a technical liaison with payload software and systems engineering, ensuring navigation requirements flow down correctly to flight software and hardware interfaces.
Qualifications:
Required:
โข MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
โข 7+ years of experience in GNSS-based navigation, state estimation, or related domains (aerospace, autonomous systems, geodesy).
โข Deep expertise in statistical estimationโextended/unscented Kalman filters, batch least squares, factor graphs, or similar.
โข Proven track record shipping navigation algorithms from prototype to production.
โข Strong Python skills for rapid prototyping and analysis; proficiency in C++ for flight or embedded implementations.
โข Experience with GNSS data formats (RINEX, SP3, RTCM) and tools (GIPSY, Bernese, or similar).
โข Familiarity with orbital mechanics, reference frames, and time systems.
โข 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).
โข 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).
โข 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.
Preferred:
โข Experience with LEO PNT or multi-constellation/multi-frequency processing.
โข Background in integrity and protection level computation (ARAIM, SBAS concepts).
โข Prior work on real-time navigation systems with latency and throughput constraints.
โข History of mentoring engineers or leading small technical teams.
Company:
Xona develops satellite navigation services delivering positioning, navigation, and timing data via a low Earth orbit network. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Burlingame, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.