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Sr. Navigation Engineer

Xona· Engineering
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Burlingame, California$150k - $180kFull-timePosted 1w ago

About the role

Senior Navigation Engineer to lead critical initiatives within the Navigation Software team, driving technical direction for core positioning and timing capabilities, mentoring junior engineers, and bridging algorithm development with flight-ready implementation for Xona’s PNT satellite system.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize algorithms for centimeter-level accuracy in real-time and post-processed solutions (Precise Positioning).
  • Lead development of Orbit Determination (OD) pipelines, including filter tuning, maneuver handling, and multi-GNSS fusion strategies.
  • Architect timing solutions for Clock Estimation to meet stringent stability requirements across the constellation.
  • Develop and validate Atmospheric Modeling, including ionospheric and tropospheric correction models, integrating external data sources as needed.
  • Define Fault Detection and Exclusion frameworks for Integrity Monitoring to support safety-critical applications (aviation, maritime, autonomous systems).
  • Serve as a technical liaison with payload software and systems engineering, ensuring navigation requirements flow down to flight software and hardware interfaces.

Qualifications

  • MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in GNSS-based navigation, state estimation, or related domains (aerospace, autonomous systems, geodesy).
  • Deep expertise in statistical estimation—extended/unscented Kalman filters, batch least squares, factor graphs, or similar.
  • Proven track record shipping navigation algorithms from prototype to production.
  • Strong Python skills for rapid prototyping and analysis; proficiency in C++ for flight or embedded implementations.
  • Experience with GNSS data formats (RINEX, SP3, RTCM) and tools (GIPSY, Bernese, or similar).
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics, reference frames, and time systems.

Skills

Required:Precise Positioning algorithmsOrbit Determination pipelinesClock EstimationAtmospheric ModelingIntegrity Monitoring
Nice to have:Payload software liaison

Benefits

  • Offers Equity
  • Salary range: $150K – $180K
  • Final offer based on education, qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience; range provided for transparency.
Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Xona

Next Era Navigational Intelligence | Xona

Xona is the navigation infrastructure company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth.

Location servicesPulsarGNSSNavigationPNTsatellites
Company profileWebsite

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