Sr. Navigation Engineer

About the role

The Senior Navigation Engineer will lead critical initiatives within Xona's Navigation Software team, driving the technical direction for core positioning and timing capabilities. This role involves mentoring junior engineers and bridging the gap between algorithm development and flight-ready implementation.

Responsibilities

• Drive the technical direction for precise positioning algorithms, optimizing for centimeter-level accuracy in real-time and post-processed solutions.
• Lead development of orbit determination pipelines, including filter tuning, maneuver handling, and multi-GNSS fusion strategies.
• Architect timing solutions meeting stringent stability requirements across the constellation.
• Develop and validate atmospheric modeling, integrating external data sources as needed.
• Define fault detection and exclusion frameworks for integrity monitoring, supporting safety-critical applications such as aviation, maritime, and autonomous systems.
• Ensure navigation requirements flow down correctly to flight software and hardware interfaces, serving as a technical liaison with payload software and systems engineering.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Experience with LEO PNT or multi-constellation/multi-frequency processing.
• Prior work on real-time navigation systems with latency and throughput constraints.
• History of mentoring engineers or leading small technical teams.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of GNSS principles and technologies.
• Expertise in real-time navigation and timing systems.
• Ability to develop and validate atmospheric models.
• Experience with integrity monitoring and fault detection.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Flexible working hours.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Health insurance benefits.
• Employee discounts on Xona products.

Pay

Salary range: $100,000 - $150,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Benefits

• Health insurance benefits.
• Employee discounts on Xona products.
• Professional development opportunities.