Satellite Harness Engineer

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. With Pulsar – the world’s most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

About the role

We are looking for a Harness Engineer to design and build the satellite’s harnesses and cables. This is a hands-on, cross-disciplinary role where you will work closely with experienced engineers across avionics, mechanical, GNC, and manufacturing teams. It is a unique opportunity to build a critical subsystem of a cutting-edge space technology platform.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, cable routing, and build of the satellite’s harnesses
• Closely work with electrical, mechanical, and other satellite design engineers to create harness drawings
• Understand industry-standard electrical design principles and standards (IPC, MIL-STD, SMC)
• Determine processes and select components to ensure a reliable and manufacturable solution that will survive the life of the mission
• Coordinate harness builds with contract manufacturers, taking into account the program build schedule and design requirements
• Track, design, and build test harnesses to support various test set ups (DVT, environmental, subsystem debug, etc)
• Interpret PCBA schematics, technical drawings, test plans, and work instructions
• Develop, maintain, and follow work instructions, connector mate logs, and test logs
• Support hardware troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent industry experience
• 2+ years experience in electrical harness design
• Ability to read and interpret PCBA schematics, technical drawings, test plans, and procedures
• Experience using harness test equipment such as multimeters and Hipot testers as well as building test fixtures (test boards, peg boards, etc.)
• Familiarity with Windows-based PC operating systems
• Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in English

Qualifications

• Experience designing, handling, and integrating spaceflight hardware
• Exposure to spacecraft environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, thermal cycling)
• Experience working in cleanroom environments
• Familiarity with aerospace documentation standards and configuration control

For U.S. Roles: 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).

For U.K. Roles: 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).

For Canada Roles: 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.